US-Mexico – Canada 2012 Summit
By Adina Moloman
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Global Post
After trade tension between Mexico and Latin American countries (Brazil, Argentina) that we’ve discussed in previous articles, Mexico assisted to a new reunion this Monday, April 2nd with the propose to join another trade regime , among other, between US, Mexico and Canada.
The US President, Mexico President and Canada’s Prime Minister met this Monday in a summit at the White House. Main topics of their agenda: energy and trade as gas prices continue to raise, Mexican oil exports, Keystone pipeline.
The agenda for this summit also includes: Mexico- US border violence, drug war and the flows of weapons, security, etc.
Boosting exports between the three countries and increasing jobs, were also part of the summit agenda. For instance, Mexico Manufacturers should be in charge for these new jobs creations among other sources.
This summit took place in a specific scenario, with election around the corner in US and Mexico and gas prices steadily rising.
Mexico and Canada are major oil exporters into the US and with Canada which possess the world’s third-largest oil reserves; it was re discussed an acceptable pipeline route that would link Alberta’s oil sands to the U.S. Gulf Coast, abandoned in the first place because of environmentalist’s reaction. It was noticed also a little bit the tension between US and Canada after Canada was considering China as a interesting potential oil market.
The situation in Canada seemed to be different, with political stability, a long term vision and the fiscal situation in improving, considering that the budget Harper’s government introduced last week could be accepted by majority. This fiscal situation can be improved by introducing budget cuts designed to eliminate Canada’s deficit by 2015.
After the two-hour meeting in the Rose Garden, the three states leaders signed a statement outlining the base of their future trade, environment, security and energy cooperation.
