But now, further trade liberalization - this time in services - has run into a wall.
Taking the lead in support of trade liberalization will be another important role for the the next treasury secretary.
This would be a gradual trade liberalization expected to begin in 1990 and take five to seven years.
It nevertheless could bring progress on trade liberalization to a full stop.
This led to some immediate international trade liberalization, but there was no shock to the economy.
The government's policy of trade liberalization was vigorously implemented throughout 1989.
It takes more than just trade liberalization to improve the quality of life for poor people around the world.
The prevailing view then was that trade liberalization may help stimulate economic growth.
The trade liberalization has been the most traumatic in history.
And economists have been the most constant allies of trade liberalization.