LETTERS: GATT MAKES GOOD SENSE FOR U.S. TRADE AS WELL AS MISSOURI BUSINESS AND JOBS

To the editor:

Although I am not an expert on international trade, common sense and the facts based on what has happened with other free-trade agreements makes it clear that ratification of GATT was a big win for America, for Missouri and for Procter & Gamble.

GATT reduces foreign trade barriers and allows the U.S. to export more of its goods abroad. This will create hundreds of thousands of new export-related jobs in this country and increase America's ability to compete worldwide.

Growth in exports is not only good for the United States broadly, but for Missouri too. Export sales of over $4 billion in 1992 and a 40 percent growth in exports during 1989-92 have been a leading factor in the economic growth of this state.

GATT also provides benefits for P&G in the United States. Once fully implemented, GATT will double P&G's total exports from the United States. We anticipate that this will increase U.S. employment by 10,000 jobs, some on P&G's payroll and some on those of our suppliers.

The ratification of GATT was a big win for America and Missouri. My hat is off to Congressman Bill Emerson for doing the right thing at the right time and voting for GATT.

JOSEPH E. DONER

Plant Manager

Procter & Gamble

Cape Girardeau