25th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers

WHEREAS the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers appreciates the significant trading relationship between the New England states and the Eastern Canadian provinces; and

WHEREAS the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers recognize that globalization of the world economy will impact on their respective economies; and

WHEREAS the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers wish to co-operate in identifying and pursuing specific actions on a regional basis that would maximize social and economic benefits related to trade and globalization trends; and

WHEREAS the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers recognizes the importance of strategic infrastructure in delivering the benefits of trade and globalization to their respective economies; and

WHEREAS the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers adopted Resolution 24-2 at the Twenty-fourth Annual Conference of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers calling upon officials to develop a mandate and terms of reference for a Standing Committee on Trade and Globalization; and

WHEREAS the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers appreciates the effectiveness of the first Governors' and Premiers' Business Forum held in Halifax during the 25th Annual Conference in conveying the ideas of the New England and Eastern Canadian business community regarding transportation, the knowledge economy and energy development in the Northeast region;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers hereby establishes the Standing Committee on Trade and Globalization, hereafter referred to as "the Committee".

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Committee, in compliance with the Terms of Reference hereby adopted and in reference to the work plan items submitted, be directed to develop and submit a work plan and budget proposal within four months to Secretariats and Coordinating Committee, and report on progress achieved at the next meeting of Governors and Premiers.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Committee be comprised of two representatives from each jurisdiction and co-chaired in its first year by the State of Maine and the Province of New Brunswick.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Committee take into account the findings of the Governors' and Premiers' Business Forum and the views of other members of the Northeastern regional business community in the construction of its workplan and seek further opportunities for business community input to the Conferences' future activities.

Adopted at the 25th Annual Conference of New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers, July 16-18, 2000.

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