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: