Chamber News

NAFTA talks have passed the crucial round 6 test as the three countries moved closer towards a renewed and modernized agreement over the past week. However, much work remains to be done to achieve a positive result for North America’s businesses, says the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re encouraged that all three countries’ representatives reported progress toward a modernized agreement,” said the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “However, the work is far from over, including on several key issues, and there is still no guarantee of success. We urge all three governments to focus on preserving and strengthening this important agreement. Our goal must be a North America that is more competitive, more prosperous and more successful for all our citizens.”

Negotiators have expressed cautious optimism about the progress made over the past few days, including significant advances on several chapters, like digital trade, food safety, plant and animal health, and telecommunications.

During the closing press conference for round 6 negotiations, U.S. Trade Representative Lighthizer emphasized a number of issues, including the balance of trade between the U.S. and Canada. The Canadian Chamber supports the Government of Canada’s position that trade must be viewed in a broader sense, and not simply as entries on a balance sheet.

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The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 200,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at Chamber.ca or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom

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Contact:

Guillaum W. Dubreuil
Senior Director, Public Affairs and Media Relations
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce
613.797.1860
gdubreuil@chamber.ca