(International Trade Canada)
International Trade Minister Jim Peterson announced last week that the Government of Canada is seeking public comment on further proposed changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) rules of
origin.
"These proposed amendments would promote the freer flow of goods under NAFTA," said Minister Peterson. "The changes will make it easier for exporters to meet the NAFTA rules of
origin and qualify for zero tariffs on a wide range of goods, making them more cost competitive."
The proposed changes would liberalize the rules of origin applicable to cocoa preparations,
cranberry juice, ores, slag and ash, leather, cork, certain textile products, feathers, glass and glassware, copper and other metals, televisions, and certain information technology products and controls.
Trilateral trade in these goods is estimated at about US$20 billion annually.
These amendments were developed and agreed to by the three NAFTA parties in keeping with industry needs. While the NAFTA
parties have agreed to a target date of January 1, 2006, for implementation, all three countries must complete their domestic procedures for implementation of these changes before they can take effect.
"We need to continue to respond to changing industry needs and reduce transaction costs for goods traded among NAFTA partners to enhance our competitiveness in global markets," added Minister
Peterson.
The Minister also noted that this initiative is a good example of how NAFTA parties are working trilaterally to increase North American competitiveness as part of the Security and
Prosperity Partnership.
A Canada Gazette notice invites Canadians to submit their views on the proposed changes by August 31, 2005.
Instructions on how to make submissions on this issue are
also available on the Department of Finance Canada's public consultations website. |
