UNITED STATES, MEXICO, CANADA TO LAUNCH
NORTH AMERICAN COMPETITIVE COUNCIL

 

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez and his government counterparts from Mexico and Canada will formally launch the North American Competitiveness Council (NACC) on Thursday, June 15, 2006.

The NACC is made up of high level private sector business leaders from all three countries to provide recommendations on how to improve the competitiveness of North American businesses in global markets. NACC will provide strategic medium and long-term advice to governments on ways to advance our common prosperity and security.

 

WHO:	Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Sergio Garcia de Alba, Mexico's Economy Minister Maxime Bernier, Canada's Minister of Industry Members of the North American Competitiveness Council
WHAT:	Formal launch of the North American Competitiveness Council
WHEN:	Thursday, June 15, 2006 10:00 a.m. - NACC meeting (Closed Press) 11:45 a.m. - Press availability with Gutierrez, de Alba and Bernier (Open Press) 11:15 a.m. - Press Check-in
WHERE:	U.S. Department of Commerce 1401 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230 ** Press please enter at the Aquarium Entrance on 14th Street **

Background: The NACC was established as part of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America (SPP). On March 23, 2005, Presidents Bush and Fox, along with Prime Minister Martin launched the SPP. This White House-driven initiative is meant to reduce trade barriers and facilitate economic growth, while improving the security and competitiveness of the continent. The SPP consists of a security and an economic component, led by Secretaries Chertoff and Gutierrez, respectively. Secretary Rice is responsible for ensuring the two components are coordinated and advance U.S. foreign policy.