TRI-NATIONAL ACCORD HELPS TO IMPROVE TRADE RELATIONS

Bilateral meetings between Canada, the United States and Mexico at the recent Tri-National Accord in California will help to improve trade relations between the countries, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman.

Representatives from eight Canadian provinces, 28 U.S. states and 16 Mexican states attended the three-day meeting to discuss agricultural trade issues. Wartman said side meetings between delegations at the event build an important foundation for mending trade irritants.

"The Tri-National Accord provides a rare opportunity for the decision-makers in all three countries to sit down for a frank, face-to-face discussion about how we can work better with each other," Wartman said. "That kind of personal contact really facilitates building better working relationships between jurisdictions."

Wartman said key issues he raised for Saskatchewan included Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), Country of Origin labeling and the increasing level of U.S. protectionism. Not surprisingly, Wartman found that many U.S. states are supportive of a science-based approach to trade and favour an open border to Canadian cattle.

Several working groups were formed at the meeting to continue efforts on a number of joint issues. One working group will focus on harmonization of animal health standards, livestock feed regulations and BSE risk mitigation measures. Another working group was formed to look at trade remedy policies - specifically anti-dumping provisions. A third working group will look at regional integration and rural development.

"I am very pleased with the outcomes of this meeting," Wartman said. "Progress on these issues is rarely immediate, but forums such as this one provide a valuable opportunity to clarify issues and garner understanding and support with our neighbors to the south."

Proceedings and communiqués from the 15th Tri-National Accord are available at the conference website www.nasda.org/accord. The 16th annual Tri-National Accord will be held in Alberta in 2006.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031