The successes are impossible to ignore. U.S.-Mexico trade increased 113% from 1993, the year before NAFTA implementation began, through the end of 1998. Mexico has become the second-largest trading partner for the United States, surpassing Japan, and Mexico is the second-largest market for U.S. goods in the world. Canada is the United States largest trading partner. The results have paid off for North American corporations, workers and consumers as companies find a dynamic market for exports, as wages increase and unemployment falls, and as the cost of goods decreases while quality increases.
Corporate strategy has varied sector by sector. The conference highlighted how Mexican companies have been able to source materials in the United States "rather than Asia or Europe" because NAFTA makes U.S. products more competitive. In agriculture, U.S. farmers have been able to tap Mexico's strong demand for agro-industrial products, such as corn and livestock, while Mexico has had great success selling fresh vegetables and fruits to demanding U.S. consumers. Universities explained how they are preparing a North American workforce to compete with the rest of the world. U.S. and Mexican companies have helped to clean up North America's environment and fill a gap in health care needs. NAFTA has allowed manufacturers to rationalize operations for greater efficiency. Telecommunications firms have aggressively expanded in the Mexican market, realizing the benefits of deregulations and utilizing new technology to pursue the huge potential of the North American market. Transportation experts outline logistics, security and safety issues related to moving products across international borders.
While reflecting on the success of NAFTA, this conference also outlined challenges for the future. NAFTA is only one-third of the way through its implementation process and some portions of the agreement have already been snagged by non-trade considerations. North America's relationship with the rest of the Western Hemisphere, Europe and Asia is also crucial to the future of North America's firms, workers and consumers. NAFTA does not exist in a vacuum -- business leaders must consider the next steps for trade relations with the rest of the world.
The U.S.- Mexico Chamber of Commerce presents the following proceedings, representing the insight and experience of leading industry and government officials, to explain one of the most fruitful trade relationships in the world.
You'll find out a lot more and the most up-to-date information when you listen to our Expert Speaker, Erika Torres, of MultiValores talk about where Mexico's been and where it's going and how YOU can benefit! It's an eye-opening experience.
Source:http://www.usmcoc.org/ Executive Summary "NAFTA: Five Years Linking U.S. & Mexican Markets" focused on the successes, strategies and challenges of North American companies during the trade agreement's implementation.