John Rowland on Free Trade

1. Continue to focus on the development of strategies and initiatives that Premiers and Governors can undertake to grow the Northeast region’s knowledge economy.
2. Monitor and discuss national and international trade policy, including NAFTA, WTO, and discussions regarding a free trade agreement of the Americas.
3. Identification of border crossing impediments and strategies for addressing; including cross-border re-location of professionals, and businesses wishing to conduct business in both countries.
4. Assess opportunities and challenges facing the Northeast energy sector.

Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement.

After a month of debate the Senate passed a The Andean Free Trade Agreement (H.R. 3009) including language to grant the president trade promotion authority. With the unanimous support of all eight Republican Main Street Partnership Senators, H.R. 3009 passed 66 to 30. Included in the legislation is an expansion of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) providing a tax credit for 70% of the cost of health insurance purchased individually after losing employment as a result of a trade agreement. While the Senate maintained its pro-trade reputation by defeating amendments by Senator Kerry (MA) and Senator Byrd (WV) diluting Trade Promotion Authority, one amendment strongly opposed by Main Street remains in the bill. An amendment offered by Senator Dayton (MN) and Senator Craig (ID) would allow the Senate to remove from fast-track consideration any provision of an agreement that would limit US trade remedy laws. Main Street firmly believes that this negates Trade Promotion Authority entirely, and supports President Bush's veto threat should this language remain intact after a House/Senate conference.

More business cooperation between New England & East Canada.

• WHEREAS the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) think it would be desirable to intensify the process of trade liberalization within the region;
• WHEREAS, the majority of participants in the Forum expressed the wish that there be more cooperation between governments in the region;
• WHEREAS the majority of participants in the Forum think that governments should facilitate greater collaboration between boards of trade and business associations within the region;
• WHEREAS the governments agree that business associations are key partners to promote economic integration within the region;
• NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers adopt the report from the Northeastern Business Forum
• THAT the Conference bring to the attention of the federal authorities of Canada and the United States of America the concerns expressed during the Forum, particularly with regard to these irritants:
  1. customs procedures for goods
  2. temporary entry for business people
  3. harmonization of regulations, licensing and intellectual property rights
• THAT the members of the Conference identify business associations able to promote the development of a regional regrouping;
• THAT this new regional regrouping of business people will direct its actions primarily on the basis of the report of the Northeastern Business Forum;
• THAT a forum of government officials and representatives from the business sector convene a meeting in Québec in 1999 with a view to developing the information highway and electronic commerce within the region.