國際英語資訊:NAFTA renegotiation at risk due to U.S. proposals, says Mexican advisor

MEXICO CITY, Oct. 25 -- The current renegotiation of NAFTA is facing "big red lights" due to controversial proposals made by the U.S., a Mexican participant in the talks said on Wednesday.

Moises Kalach, coordinator of international negotiations at Mexico's Business Coordination Council, said that the "philosophy of the White House" had led to "major unbreachable topics in which Mexico is not ready to give in."

Speaking at a conference in Mexican Institute of Financial Executives, Kalach said the U.S. was seeking to reduce its trade deficit with Mexico and Canada, to make the NAFTA treaty expire every five years, and to increase rules of origin in the automotive sector, among others, making the negotiations more difficult to reach agreement.

Kalach added that Washington's intention to modify NAFTA's mechanism for dispute resolution would also greatly impact Mexico.

He also said that, in the last 10 months, the Mexican delegation had led a "very aggressive campaign" of lobbying with U.S. government and business figures, including 250 meetings with 22 American governors.

"We have had to make up time in the last 10 months, in a very aggressive campaign," explained Kalach.

The fourth round of NAFTA talks concluded on Oct. 17 in Washington, with new challenges emerging, given the rejection of some of the U.S. proposals.

The fifth round will take place in Mexico City from Nov. 17 to 21, with more rounds now being added for the first quarter of 2024, beyond the seven originally planned for.