North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
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:
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