North American Free Trade Agreement
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:
Continue on to Chapter One: Objectives
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