Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said Friday he expects the U.S. Congress to approve the new regional trade agreement with his country and Canada by Dec. 20.
“It appears there is agreement between Republicans and Democrats,” López Obrador said.
Mexico's Senate approved modifications to the agreement Thursday evening by a vote of 107-1. The changes were intended to convince U.S. Democratic lawmakers to drop their opposition.
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador points to a reporter during his daily morning press conference at the National Palace in Mexico City, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. Mexico has granted asylum to Bolivia's former President Evo Morales, who resigned on Nov. 10th under mounting pressure from the military and the public after his re-election victory triggered weeks of fraud allegations and deadly protests. (AP PhotoMarco Ugarte)
López Obrador said he expected Canada to approve the deal replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement early next year. The new agreement provides greater labor protections and López Obrador said it should lead to more foreign investment in Mexico.
“It's going to help the economy's growth a lot,” the president said.