Beyond NAFTA: Shaping the Future of North American IntegrationDana Gabriel, Contributor Before his recent trip to the U.S., Mexicos new President Enrique Pena Nieto emphasized in a Washington Post editorial the opportunity both countries have to build on their economic partnership. He explained that, in NAFTA we have a solid foundation to further integrate our economies through greater investments in finance, infrastructure, manufacturing and energy. As part of his governments strategy to reduce violence, he stated that it is, important that our countries increase intelligence-sharing and crime-fighting techniques and promote cooperation among law enforcement agencies. In a White House press release, Pena Nieto invited President Barack Obama to participate in the next North American Leaders Summit which will take place in Mexico sometime in 2013. With regards to U.S.-Mexico relations, Obama said that he was also looking forward to finding ways, to strengthen our economic ties, our trade ties, our coordination along the border, improving our joint competitiveness, as well as common security issues. According to the new policy brief, A New Agenda with Mexico put out by the Woodrow Wilson Center, declines in illegal immigration and organized crime violence in Mexico, open up an opportunity for U.S. policymakers to deepen the economic relationship. The report recommended working, together with Mexico and Canada to strengthen regional competitiveness and to grow North American exports to the world. It further elaborated on how, Economic issues can drive the next phase in deepening U.S.-Mexico cooperation. Investments in trusted shipper programs, pre-inspection programs, and enhanced border infrastructure will be crucial. The study called on Washington to offer more, support for Mexicos criminal justice institutions, and strengthen U.S. anti-money laundering efforts in order to combat organized crime and violence. It also recommended engaging, Mexico more actively on hemispheric and extra-hemispheric foreign policy issues, ranging from terrorism to international trade and finance, as Mexicos role as a global power grows. Just days before being sworn in as Mexicos new president, Pena Nieto also visited Canada. In a press statement, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was looking forward to working with him in improving trade ties, as well as strengthening North American competitiveness and security. In an editorial that appeared in the Globe and Mail, Pena Nieto announced that, One of the areas with the largest potential for co-operation between Mexico and Canada is energy production and development. Mexicos energy sector is about to change. I want to enhance its potential by opening it up to national and foreign private investment. He went on to say, We can cultivate a closer relationship in this area in order to attain North American energy security. Canada-U.S. energy issues are also at the forefront. Following his re-election, President Obama is under pressure to make a decision on the Keystone XL pipeline. The proposed project would carry oil from western Canada to the Texas gulf coast. In the report, Forging a New Strategic Partnership between Canada and Mexico, Perrin Beatty and Andres Rozental recognized the opportunity both countries have to reshape bilateral relations. Among other things, the policy paper recommended removing the visa requirement for Mexican visitors to Canada. It supported increasing funding to theAnti-Crime Capacity Building Program which is aimed at enhancing the ability, of government agencies, international organizations and non-governmental entities to prevent and respond to threats posed by transnational criminal activity throughout the Americas. In addition, the study called for institutionalizing the North American Leaders Summit and establishing a complementary North American Business Council. It also advocated pursuing further economic cooperation with the U.S. on a pragmatic basis and suggested that, Ongoing border and regulatory initiatives should be results-oriented and pursued in the most effective way possible, bilateral or trilateral, as the case may be. This policy recommendation can be extended to any North American issue, including continental security perimeter initiatives and anti-narcotics efforts. Last months NAFTA20 North America Summit examined NAFTAs evolution, as well as its future prospects. Speaking at the conference,Thomas Donohue President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce urged Canadian, Mexican and U.S. leaders to move forward with, the integration of our markets to further rationalize our supply chains, increase efficiency, and better position North America in the global economy. He went on to say, We need to advance regulatory cooperation, streamline our border, and reform immigration practices to ensure the free flow of products, people, capital, and ideas. Donohue concluded that Canada and Mexico joining the U.S. and other countries as part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement would help maximize the strength of the North American market. Meanwhile, there are growing concerns over the secrecy surrounding the TPP. This includes fears that it would grant corporations more power and further put the sovereignty of member nations at risk. It could also be used as abackdoor renegotiation of NAFTA without officially having to open it back up. With the 15th round of talks coming to a close in New Zealand, a final TPP deal could be reached before the end of 2013. In October, Ottawa hosted the North American Forum. The annual get-together includes, Canadian, Mexican and American thought leaders, whose purpose is to advance a shared vision of North America, and to contribute to improved relations among the three neighbors. Much like other secretive gatherings, reporters were barred from entering the Forums events. This years discussions centered around energy and North American economic competitiveness. Canadian Defence Minister Peter MacKay also delivered a keynote address which focused on continental security issues. He highlighted the bilateral defence relations that the U.S. and Canada enjoy through NORAD. MacKay remarked on how, Canada and Mexico are also becoming important strategic partners and stronger defence ties with Mexico are a priority. He praised the first meeting of North American Defence Ministers as a, great opportunity for our three nations to identify ways to work together to address shared defence and security challenges. The trilateral defence meeting which took place in March is part of the process of integrating Mexico into NORAD and establishing a North American security perimeter. Related articles by Dana Gabriel Dana Gabriel is an activist and independent researcher. He writes about trade, globalization, sovereignty, security, as well as other issues. Contact: beyourownleader@hotmail.com Visit his blog at Be Your Own Leader 