Canada and U.S. Promote Cross-Border Business
Canada and the U.S. have released their first progress report after announcing the creation of the Beyond the Border Action Plan in 2011. This joint plan between the two countries aims at facilitating the increase of trade and travel across their lengthy border, the longest in the world.
“With over $612 billion in annual two-way trade in goods and services, an efficient Canada-US broder is critical for the economic growth of both countries,” said Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney. “We will ensure that cross-border business is efficient by making entry to each other’s territory swift, simple, and secure.”
The action plan outlines the following commitments:
- Increased administrative guidance and training for border officials
- Develop policies for specialized maintenance and repair personnel
- Change rules covering after-lease servicing
- Work to expedite clearances for NEXUS card clients
- Review adjudication process for business travellers
- Review recourse mechanisms for business travelers whose applications are denied
- Conduct consultations for future improvements
