Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement

Preamble

Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (“Jordan”), hereinafter referred to as “the Parties”, resolved to:

• Strengthen the special bonds of friendship and cooperation among their peoples;
• Contribute to the harmonious development and expansion of world and regional trade and to provide a catalyst to broader international cooperation;
• Build on their respective rights and obligations under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization and other multilateral and bilateral instruments of cooperation;
• Create an expanded and secure market for the goods produced in their territories, as well as promote new employment opportunities and improved working conditions and living standards in their respective territories;
• Reduce distortions to trade;
• Establish clear, transparent and mutually advantageous rules to govern their trade;
• Ensure a predictable commercial framework for business planning;
• Enhance the competitiveness of their firms in global markets;
• Undertake each of the preceding in a manner that is consistent with environmental protection and conservation;
• Enhance and enforce environmental laws and regulations, and strengthen cooperation on environmental matters;
• Protect, enhance and enforce basic workers’ rights, and strengthen cooperation on labour matters and build on their respective international commitments on labour matters;
• Promote sustainable development;
• Enciourage enterprises operating within their territory or subject to their jurisdiction, to respect internationally recognized corporate social responsibility standards and principles and pursue best practices; and
• Preserve their flexibility to safeguard the public welfare; while
• Recognizing that states must maintain the ability to preserve, develop and implement their cultural policies for the purpose of strengthening cultural diversity, given the essential role that cultural goods and services play in the identity and diversity of societies and the lives of individuals;
• Affirming their commitment to respect the values and principles of democracy and promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms as proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; and
• Recognizing the difference in the level of economic development existing between the Parties and the benefit of promoting economic development;
• Have agreed as follows: