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: