"Through the Security and Prosperity Partnership, we are building upon the strong relationships between our countries to further our common security goals and achieve transformational improvements," said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "Security and prosperity must go hand in hand, and this partnership will bring their true promise to bear."
"Success in the 21st Century global economy demands a regional strategy," said and Mexico's Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez. "This report is a blueprint to secure North American leadership in the global economy and makes North America the best place in the world to live and do business."
Among the security goals identified in the report, all three countries have agreed to establish a single, integrated North American Trusted Traveler Program in less than 3 years. This program will offer a single application portal and enrolled participants will have access to all trusted traveler dedicated lanes at land, air and sea ports of entry.
Key initiatives identified by the prosperity working groups include the development of a coordinated strategy by 2006 to combat counterfeiting and piracy in North America. In addition, the report addresses common principles for e-commerce, streamlining regulation, simplifying trade flows and more cooperation in making air transportation, energy, steel, automotive manufacturing and other economic sectors more competitive. Agreements have also been reached to enhance cooperation on public health and safety protections related to the safety of consumer goods as well as safe international trade opportunities for certain agricultural products.
For more information on the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America, visit www.spp.gov.