NAFTA parties tout ambitious time line after avoiding contentious issues during first round

The United States, Canada and Mexico on Sunday jointly emphasized an ambitious time line and touted progress made in the inaugural NAFTA renegotiation round, though sources said negotiators avoided the most controversial issues -- some of which could torpedo negotiations -- during the five-day talks. According to a joint statement released after the negotiating round concluded on Aug. 20, “Detailed conceptual presentations were made by the United States, Mexico and Canada across the scope of the agreement, and negotiating groups...