] On Tuesday, the United States and Singapore signed a
] trade agreement that affirms both nations' commitment to
] punishing people who bypass copy-protection
] technologies--such as those used in most DVDs, a small
] number of CDs and some computer software.

] "We're working together to meet the threats of a new era,
] and we share a belief in the power of free enterprise and
] free trade to improve lives," President George W. Bush
] said during a Tuesday ceremony in Washington to mark the
] signing of the trade agreement. "The U.S.-Singapore Free
] Trade Agreement marks a crucial step forward for both our
] countries. And with the approval of the Congress, this
] agreement will help generate well-paying jobs and
] opportunities for people in Singapore and in the United
] States." The agreement is the first between the U.S.
] and an Asian nation.

] The agreement "breaks new ground in emerging areas like
] e-commerce," Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said.
] "It also establishes high standards in intellectual
] property, transparency and customs. The FTA will expand
] opportunities for American businesses in Singapore. More
] importantly, the U.S.-Singapore FTA can be a model for
] other FTAs."