Category : Various Text files
Archive   : NAFTA.ZIP
Filename : PREAMBLE.00

PREAMBLE

The Government of Canada, the Government of the United Mexican
States and the Government of the United States of America,
resolved to:

STRENGTHEN the special bonds of friendship and cooperation
among their nations;

CONTRIBUTE to the harmonious development and expansion of
world trade and provide a catalyst to broader international
cooperation;

CREATE an expanded and secure market for the goods and
services produced in their territories;

REDUCE distortions to trade;

ESTABLISH clear and mutually advantageous rules governing
their trade;

ENSURE a predictable commercial framework for business
planning and investment;

BUILD on their respective rights and obligations under the
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and other
multilateral and bilateral instruments of cooperation;

ENHANCE the competitiveness of their firms in global
markets;

FOSTER creativity and innovation, and promote trade in goods
and services that are the subject of intellectual property
rights;

CREATE new employment opportunities and improve working
conditions and living standards in their respective
territories;

UNDERTAKE each of the preceding in a manner consistent with
environmental protection and conservation;

PRESERVE their flexibility to safeguard the public welfare;

PROMOTE sustainable development;

STRENGTHEN the development and enforcement of environmental
laws and regulations; and

PROTECT, enhance and enforce basic workers' rights;

HAVE AGREED as follows: