Pivotal Nafta Talks to Start Early, Be Longest Round Yet
- Negotiations extended to nine days from original six: people
- Two days toward end reserved for resolving toughest issues
Canada and Mexico Looking for U.S. to Show Flexibility
The Nafta talks that are set to begin in Montreal will start on Jan. 21, two days earlier than planned and last for nine days as teams from the U.S., Canada and Mexico push to deliver results for a cabinet ministers’ meeting on the final day, according to two people familiar with the plans.
Two full days, Jan. 27 and Jan. 28, have been tentatively reserved for reports to chief negotiators, who handle some of the toughest issues, and preparing for a Jan. 29 ministers’ meeting, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the schedule isn’t public. Talks will begin on Sunday, with energy, investment, financial services, agriculture and other issues on the agenda, according to one of the people. Rules of origin -- one of the thorniest subjects, related to manufactured goods such as cars -- will be reserved for the final days of talks, as in previous rounds.