NAFTA talks progress well in Mexico, will re-start in Ottawa Sept. 23

The third round of talks on renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement will be held in Ottawa, near the end of the month.

A spokesman from Global Affairs confirmed the dates, saying they’ll take place during September 23-27.

The news came as the second round of talks ended in Mexico.

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The agreements reached so far relate to less-controversial parts of the agreement.

Multiple sources say the countries have not even begun dealing with the more complex elements – like dispute-resolution mechanisms, seasonal farm tariffs, and regional content rules – and that any attempts to raise a contentious issue have been brushed off by the other parties.

Relatively few concrete proposals appear to have been made on issues during the talks in Mexico City.

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The three lead ministers told a closing news conference in Mexico City that they’re still aiming to get a deal by year’s end.

U.S. trade czar Robert Lighthizer, who says two dozen chapter texts have been tabled, is also thanking his North American neighbours for their thoughts in the wake of a devastating hurricane in Texas and Louisiana.