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: