Free-Trade Pact Can Help U.S., Mexico, Salinas Tells Texans
The removal of tariffs and non-tariff barriers in North America would mean jobs, economic growth and hope for the future, Mexican President Carlos Salinas de Gortari told Texas state officials Friday.
In a historic speech to the Texas Legislature, the first by a Mexican leader, Salinas said a U.S.-Mexican free-trade agreement would create jobs in both nations.
Salinas arrived at the Capitol to a booming 21-gun salute from Texas National Guard cannons. He held a brief private meeting with Gov. Ann Richards before entering the House chamber, where he was greeted with a standing ovation.
Later in San Antonio, Salinas put down his Spanish text after a luncheon speech to say in English that those who argue that a free-trade pact would rob the United States of jobs are wrong.
“It is clear that, without the agreement, there is a real prospect of generating a flow of millions of migrants seeking jobs in the United States,” he said. “We want to export products, not people.”
The change from Spanish to English in a public address surprised his audience and signaled his determination to push for a free-trade zone with the United States and Canada.
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