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	chapter one

PREAMBLE

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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 co-operation among their nations ;
  
• CONTRIBUTE to the harmonious development and expansion of world trade and provide a catalyst to broader international co-operation ;
  
• 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 co-operation ;
  
• 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 :

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	chapter one

last updated on october 5, 03 by TMTM