NAFTA PARTNERS RECOMMIT TO FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF NAFTA

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July 16, 2004 No. 78 International Trade Minister Jim Peterson met today with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Robert B. Zoellick, and Mexican Secretary of the Economy Fernando Canales at the 10th annual ministerial meeting of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Commission in San Antonio, Texas. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to build on NAFTA's achievements over the last decade with a view to generating continued strong growth in trade and investment in North America. While noting that more than 95 percent of NAFTA trade is dispute free, Minister Peterson reiterated the need for political will among the parties to ensure compliance with NAFTA dispute settlement results (Chapter 19), thereby protecting the integrity of the agreement. He reiterated concerns about a recent softwood case where the U.S. denied the refund of duty deposits on a retroactive basis. "My colleagues and I celebrated the benefits generated by NAFTA over the last 10 years, but we also explored ways it could be enhanced and built upon," said Minister Peterson. "I am pleased that NAFTA partners are joining me today to reaffirm their commitment to the effective implementation of the NAFTA dispute settlement system." Canada will continue to monitor developments closely. In order to further benefit businesses, workers and consumers, the ministers also agreed on a series of measures, including the following: ¿ Implementation of a package of liberalized rules of origin for a broad range of foods and consumer and industrial products. Rules of origin determine whether a product benefits from duty-free treatment; ¿ Continued consideration by officials of new requests on rules of origin from their respective industries; ¿ The release of the Chapter 11 draft negotiating texts; and ¿ An agreement to bring the NAFTA into full compliance with the World Trade Organization (WTO) decision on access to medicines. In a separate meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Zoellick, Minister Peterson discussed the status of the WTO negotiations, softwood lumber and BSE, and urged the prompt resumption of trade in live cattle. Mexico will host next year's Commission meeting. The full text of the Joint Statement will be available at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/trade/nafta-alena/celeb2-en.asp. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Jacqueline LaRocque Director of Communications Office of the Minister of International Trade (613) 992-7332 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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NAFTA PARTNERS RECOMMIT TO FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF NAFTA

News Release

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