WASHINGTON — June 30, 2005 — On behalf of Microsoft Corp., I am pleased by the outcome of the Senate’s vote today on the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA). This agreement sends a signal to the world that the U.S. will remain a leader and partner in promoting democracy, economic growth and the rule of law around the world, and I applaud the Senate for recognizing the need to support it. It is particularly important to Microsoft and other technology companies that DR-CAFTA and other free-trade agreements negotiated by the U.S. mandate strong intellectual property protections and fair treatment for products delivered online; and that government procurement be open, transparent and based on merit. These policies are needed for the U.S. technology sector to be able to compete in global markets. The action that Congress took today on DR-CAFTA promises to have a positive effect on the ability of Microsoft and many other U.S. companies to do business in the region. I would also like to thank Senators Murray and Cantwell from Washington for their leadership on this important issue.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.
