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:

NAFTA PART ONE GENERAL PART