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US, Canada and Mexico sign deal to replace Nafta
Buenos Aires, Nov 30 (IANS) Leaders of the US, Canada and Mexico on Friday signed a new trade deal to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (Nafta) that Donald Trump touted as a huge win for the American economy.
After 14 months of acrimonious negotiations, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed at an event in the Argentinian capital on the sidelines of a Group of 20 summit of advanced and developing economies.
Trump called the new deal the “most significant and largest” in US history, CNN reported.
Standing between outgoing Mexican President Pe�a Nieto and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a press conference, the US President said: “We worked hard on this agreement, it’s been long and hard. We’ve taken a lot of barbs and a little abuse, but we got there.”
He said the deal would give American farmers greater access to markets for their agricultural products, “something we’ve been wanting to for many years”.
Trump also said the deal would transform the American auto industry, promoting fair competition and high wages.
The signing of the new USMCA trade deal does not mean it goes into effect as it still requires Congressional approval in Washington, where key members of both political parties have expressed significant concerns.
Cautiously welcoming the ceremonial signing, Trudeau said: “The new North American free trade agreement maintains stability for Canada’s entire economy, stability that’s essential for the millions of jobs and middle class families across the country that rely on strong relationships with our neighbours. That’s why I’m here today.”
But he cast doubt on the US leader’s optimism, pointing to plant closures by General Motors in North America as “a heavy blow” and taking the opportunity for a jibe at the US leader’s protectionist policies, CNN said.
“And Donald, it’s all the more reason why we need to keep working to remove the tariffs on steel and aluminium between our countries.”
In the deal, Canada won concessions including a dispute resolution system for companies that feel unfairly targeted with taxes.
It will also receive exemptions from any future American tariffs on 2.6 million imported passenger vehicles. In return, Canada agreed to, among other things, Trump’s repeated demands that it crack open its dairy market, the New York Times reported.
However, Trump’s tariffs on Canadian metals remain in place, testing the relationship between Canada and its biggest and most important trading partner.
A massive security operation was under way for the G20 summit. The leaders with whom Trump will speak in bilateral meetings include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The US leader cancelled a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in protest over Moscow’s seizure of Ukrainian naval boats.
He will remain in Buenos Aires until Saturday night, leaving after a working dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping, in which both could reach an agreement to stop an ongoing trade war between the two nations.
World leaders will be holding discussions later on Friday amid Kiev-Moscow tension and Washington’s trade row with Beijing. Climate change was expected to be another major sticking point in the talks.
The summit was also a diplomatic test for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman amid continuing questions about possible involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey.
–IANS
soni/bg
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.
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