International Trade committee  This is certainly an area where NAFTA could make an enormous change. Between Mexico and Canada, we have this almost 40-year-old temporary working program for our people who work in your agricultural sector. However, I think now the country of Mexico is fit to provide under a more formal framework—NAFTA or another bilateral one—a supply of skilled workers, our professionals, doctors, etc.

International Trade committee  I would simply restate that Canada and Mexico should work together to defend the dispute settlement mechanism. That is essential. We can also join forces in terms of sanitary and phytosanitary rules. Certainly, I agree about the rules of origin, because in the end, again, we have to ensure that North America is the most competitive region in the world.

International Trade committee  I think it's in the best interests of the country, very much so. But the Mexican government has also stated that if, for whatever reason, TPP 11 is not feasible—you will recall that originally Japan was reluctant—then we should explore with Canada other avenues, such as the Alianza del Pacífico.

International Trade committee  Yes, absolutely. The formal position of the Mexican government, restated just a couple of weeks ago, is that they will go to that important meeting in Asia pushing for a TPP 11.

International Trade committee  Many thanks. Before crafting the open letter that we sent to President Peña Nieto on January 17 of this year, we had internal consultations with our members. I would not say they were with all 300 members, but I would say they were with representatives of all the sectors that are part of the chamber.

International Trade committee  I think we have the reference of what Mexico did when we launched the original NAFTA negotiation. The effort that was crafted by Mexico, especially within the United States and somehow also in Canada, but particularly vigorously in the United States, was outstanding. Then I do share the same view as Agustín Barrios Gómez.

International Trade committee  That's very kind, sir. We are very honoured to be able to talk to you and to state the position of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico. Our membership comprises around 300 Canadian companies that have ventured to invest in this country, that trade actively, and that are very much concerned and interested in ensuring that NAFTA is defended.