Congressman Bill Owens recently led a panel discussion on regulatory reforms to enhance the trade relationship between the United States and Canada.

The discussion was hosted by the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, which Owens co-chairs.

“To compete in the global economy, Americans and Canadians need to ship goods across our borders as smoothly as possible so we can focus on jointly exporting to other continents,” Owens said. “If we can implement practical regulatory reforms that let government evolve with technology, businesses will be able to streamline their supply chains, and we will be able to position ourselves as top competitors in foreign markets. Increased competition and trade means manufacturing jobs in America.”

Congressional Northern Border Caucus Co-Chairman Kevin Cramer, Canadian MP Rob Merrifield, and senior officials from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and UPS joined Owens for the discussion.

“Canada and the U.S. are the largest trading partners anywhere in the world,” Merrifield said. He said streamlining shipping regulations could produce an estimated $16 billion in annual economic benefits. “The amount of trade and the productivity we will gain by getting this right will give us back the advantage as we look to Asia, and Europe and other areas for the real growth that is going to happen,” he said.

Amgad Shehata, Vice President of UPS for International Public Affairs, pointed out that between four and 37 U.S. government departments can stop, inspect, reject or modify a shipment of goods crossing the border from Canada. “The world has changed, and twenty years after NAFTA, it is time for us to review” the government’s paperwork requirements, Shehata said.

“If we can use technology at the border more effectively, businesses will be able to streamline their supply chains and the United States and Canada will be able to compete together in foreign markets and create jobs,” Owens said.