Monday, September 22, 2008

EU-Canada Free Trade Zone

Barack Obama best mind his populist rhetoric, particularly when it comes to globalization. Canada is tired of the anti-NAFTA remarks and is now turning to the European Union for improved trade relations:

But such an agreement will go even beyond NAFTA, and has to in order to be successful, as previous attempts fell apart because they did not go far enough. A primary concern is provinces allowing European companies to bid on contracts on a level playing field with Canadian companies. The trade agreement would also allow free movement of skilled workers.

The prospect of greater labor mobility between Canada and Europe would be mutually beneficial if the agreement resulted in less brain drain to the United States. In fact, immigration from the United States to Canada might increase thanks to increased access to EU jobs. If protectionist sentiments deepen in the United States, then the chances of an agreement for Canada-EU free trade zone increase considerably.

Rust Belt states such monitor these negotiations closely. Enabling talent churn between members of the Industrial Heartland can reduce the out-migration from the mega-region. My goal is to make Cleveburgh a model for this approach to managing human capital assets.

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