Bush Forms Panel to Make U.S. More Competitive in High-Tech

President Bush, citing “tremendous problems” from overseas competition, today announced he is creating a panel of science advisers to search for ways to make the United States more competitive in science and technology.

Bush vowed to engage in tough negotiations to try to knock down foreign trade barriers. “I think we can compete, I believe that. But we can’t do it if we’re up against closed markets and if we’re up against trade restrictions,” the President said.

Speaking at a round-table discussion on high-tech issues at North Carolina State University, Bush said, “We’ve just got to find ways to free up as much as possible our commerce.”

“I am optimistic about the country. I know we’ve got tremendous problems with competition, but we’re getting our focus on it now,” Bush said. “We’re moving into a whole new decade with a whole new focus.”

The business leaders told Bush that to keep abreast of foreign competition in their industry they would like to see more emphasis on education, particularly math and science at all levels.