Colombia-Mexico-Venezuela FTA

PREAMBLE

The Governments of the United Mexican States (Mexico), the Republic of Colombia (Colombia), and the Republic of Venezuela (Venezuela),

WHEREAS

Their countries are Contracting Parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and have assumed commitments derived therefrom;

Their countries are members of the Latin American Integration Association (ALADI), have assumed commitments derived therefrom, and desire to strengthen said Association as a point of convergence for Latin American integration;

Colombia and Venezuela are member countries of the Cartagena Agreement and both have assumed commitments that derive from:

The policies of internationalization and modernization of the economies of their countries coincide, and they are determined to contribute to the expansion of world trade;

The deepening of economic relationships among their countries and the determination to advance the process of Latin American integration is of priority importance;

HAVING RESOLVED TO

Strengthen the special bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation among their peoples;

Contribute to the harmonious development and expansion of world trade, and the broadening of international cooperation;

Create an expanded and secure market for the goods and services Produced in their territories; Reduce distortions to trade;

Establish clear and mutually advantageous rules governing their trade;

Ensure a predictable commercial framework for production activities and investment;

Enhance the competitiveness of their firms in global markets;

Foster innovation and creativity through the protection of intellectual property rights;

Create new employment opportunities and improve working conditions and living standards in their respective territories;

Preserve their flexibility to safeguard the public welfare;

Promote sustainable development;

Foster coordinated action by the Parties in international economic foros, particularly in those related to the processes of Latin American integration;

Promote dynamic participation by the various economic agents, particularly in the private sector, in efforts designed to enhance the economic relationships among the Parties and to develop and exploit the full potential of their joint presence in international markets.

HEREBY ENTER INTO THIS TREATY ON FREE TRADE

in accordance with the GATT, conferring upon it the nature of a Subregional Economic Complementarity Agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Montevideo Treaty of 1980 and Resolution No. 2 of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Parties thereto.