Candidate Notes on 98-NEGC7

98-NEGC7 on Jun 9, 1998

• 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.