Yes, Nafta Is Good for My Children

Patrick J. Ottensmeyer:

This week American, Canadian and Mexican negotiators will meet in Mexico City for the fifth round of talks to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement. During the previous round of negotiations in Washington, I had the opportunity to meet with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, who leads the U.S. delegation. I wanted to explain how important Nafta is to my company and the communities we serve.

Near the end of our meeting, Mr. Lighthizer asked me a more personal question: “How is Nafta good for your children and grandchildren?” Afterward, I spent a good deal of time thinking about this. I also took the time to consider how this trade deal will affect America’s place in the world for decades to come. I think I can now give a definitive answer to Mr. Lighthizer’s question.