U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk Concludes Meeting of the North American Free Trade Agreement Free Trade Commission

Washington, D.C. – United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk today chaired the meeting of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Free Trade Commission (FTC). Ambassador Kirk met with Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy Bruno Ferrari and Canada’s Trade Minister Edward Fast. They discussed ways to enhance competitiveness, expand exports and spur growth among small- and medium-sized businesses in the three countries.

“The United States is pleased to host the 2012 meeting of the NAFTA trade commission. Trade among our countries continues to grow. Last year, for the first time, trilateral trade in goods exceeded $1 trillion, generating benefits for workers, businesses, farmers and ranchers across the United States,” said Ambassador Kirk. “We began important work at this meeting to implement the commitments made yesterday at the North American Leaders’ Summit, including taking steps to reduce administrative costs and promote exports by small businesses to ensure their long-term growth and success.”

Following the meeting, the Ambassador Kirk and his colleagues released a joint statement, which can be found here.