Catherwood LibraryILR School

In 1992, the US, Mexico, and Canada signed the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and when political leaders convene a summit in Waco next week they are expected to be enthusiastic about its success. However, critics point to the fact that efforts to fix NAFTAs flaws, particularly negative labor and environmental effects, and extend its reach have met with little success; global terrorism, the war in Iraq, and concerns over illegal immigration have put the trade-pact on the back burner. Mexican President Vicente Fox hopes the summit will result in the signing of a new accord which would address security, energy and other common concerns, but experts warn against expecting any new initiatives or changes to NAFTA as a result of the summit.