As Washington prepares to make a determined effort to push forward the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, the Bush administration is offering countries in the region the prize of a free trade agreement with the US as reward for their support. In a speech in South Carolina on 9 May, Bush is to call for a free-trade area in the Middle East within a decade. The move is based on the belief that increased economic prosperity is crucial to create the conditions for peace in the region, administration officials say. A free trade agreement has already greatly benefited Jordan and one is under negotiation with Morocco. The only other countries accorded this status are Israel, Canada, Mexico and Singapore. Under Bush's plan, free trade pacts would be negotiated with each individual government. Certain conditions would be imposed, such as having the basic characteristics of a market economy - hence the 10-year timeframe - and being committed to combating terrorism. The White House will pledge to help countries in carrying out the necessary reforms, particularly in improving access to capital for small businesses, strengthening the legislative framework for doing business, and tackling corruption. A round-table discussion of the plan, led by Secretary of State Colin Powell and trade representative Robert Zoellick, is to be held in Jordan in June, on the fringes of the World Economic Forum.