ASIA . . . CLINTON CLINCHES TRADE ACCORD AT SUMMIT

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President Clinton and Asian-Pacific leaders cemented a non-binding agreement tolift trade barrierswithin 25 years, but Clinton promised that benefits -- such as more U.S. auto jobs -- would roll in before his term is out. Under the accord, drafted at the second Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Indonesia, five wealthy countries (the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand) promise to lift tariffs on Asian goods by 2010, while the other 13 countries, a group including China, will do so ten years later. Clinton, trying to temper his praise, noted that customs on many American cars will probably remain for now at 30-60 percent, compared to 2.5 percent on Asian cars entering the U.S. But, over time, the pact will further knock down Asian tariffs and American autos will be more affordable, Clinton said. "That means for an auto worker in Detroit or Toledo, more secure jobs and factories with more workers."