Mexican official will not commit to NAFTA talks finishing by year's end

摘要

Substance, and not politics, is the chief factor driving the timing of NAFTA negotiations, Karen Antebi, an economic counselor in the Mexican Embassy's Trade and NAFTA Office, said on Oct. 6. U.S. and Mexican officials have repeatedly stated their goal is to finish the talks no later than early next year, well in advance of Mexican presidential and U.S. congressional elections. But Antebi, speaking at an event organized by Georgetown Law, said "the substance always drives the negotiation. So, while we will continue to engage in a very ambitious calendar... I would think it is premature for us to say where we might end up."