The American Petroleum Institute (API), the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) and the Mexican Association of Hydrocarbon Companies (AMEXHI) outlined their shared policy positions on further strengthening the competitiveness of the energy industry under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In a joint paper, the three organizations, which collectively represent more than 750 international oil and gas companies in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, highlighted their support for market-oriented policies and opportunities for commercial growth and job creation.
"The natural gas and oil industry across North America is united in our support for NAFTA and the significant consumer, economic and security benefits it generates," said Jack Gerard, API president and CEO. "The positions we put forward today reinforce our commitment to the energy trade alliance under NAFTA, which supports jobs and manufacturing in energy, helps to make energy more affordable and enhances our energy security."
"Since NAFTA's inception in 1994, our three nations' economies have become interconnected and integrated. The logic in supporting a free trade zone is more compelling today than ever before, which is reflected in our joint position to strengthen our deep trade relationship for all three countries," said Tim McMillan, president and CEO of CAPP.
"The synergy between NAFTA and the energy reform in Mexico is essential to attract investments, develop integrated value chains and increase North America's economic competitiveness," said AMEXHI President Alberto de la Fuente.
The joint paper outlines the North American oil and natural gas industry's positions on specific NAFTA policy areas, including the preservation of tariff reduction and elimination in the trade of energy products, market access, a modernized system of certificates of origin, regulatory cooperation and fully liberalized trade across North America.
For more information, visit www.api.org or call (202) 682-8000.