The fact that the border has evolved beyond bricks, mortar and pavement means that our approach to the border must evolve as well. While trade liberalization has been an unqualified success, it has exposed some new hurdles. I believe that how we minimize these obstacles remains a vital challenge to both countries. The volume of trade has tripled. Our infrastructure border has had to cope with a dramatic increase in volume.
Global competition is tougher than ever.
And tax reduction is a primary concern in both our countries. Most companies absorb these expenses as the cost of doing cross-border business. But surely we can do better. These meetings were unprecedented in terms of the number and variety of senior leaders from the public and private sector who participated. The message to our governments from the private sector came through loud and clear.