OTTAWA, June 27, 2005 – The governments of Canada, the United States and Mexico today signed a new e-commerce agreement aimed at strengthening the on line marketplace in terms of cross-border security and addressing issues such as spam.
David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry, today signed the “Framework of Common Principles for Electronic Commerce” with USA Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez, and Mexico’s Secretary of the Economy, Fernando Canales Clariond.
“The Framework will contribute to strengthening the Internet as a reliable medium for conducting business, building confidence in the online marketplace, and streamlining the flow of e-commerce at the border,” says the press release. “As a result of this agreement, trilateral co-operation is foreseen most notably on such important issues as spam, electronic authentication and certification, privacy protection, as well as border practices and procedures.”
"We are proud of having achieved consensus with our continental neighbours on a very complex issue,” said Minister Emerson. “Participants share a common goal in developing a North American online marketplace through increased transborder e-commerce and digital trade. Electronic commerce is key to economic growth and international trade for our countries."
A predictable and secure online environment will foster the adoption of Internet-based business solutions. Increased online sales from business-to-business will result in reducing costs and delays for producers and result in potential economic gain in domestic markets and for cross-border trade, adds the release.
The Framework was developed by the tripartite working group on e-commerce and information and communication technologies (ICT).
The agreement “builds on the momentum created by the Security and Prosperity Partnership announced on March 23, 2005 by Prime Minister Paul Martin, President George Bush and President Vincente Fox.”
For more information on the Framework:
http://www.ic.gc.ca/cmb/welcomeic.nsf/ICPages/SpecialReports
