Washington, D.C, December 7  - The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomed today’s long-awaited announcement by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama titled “Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness.” The business communities in both countries agreed that enhanced border cooperation has the potential to benefit the more than 11 million workers in the United States and Canada whose jobs depend on bilateral commerce.

“Neither the United States nor Canada will prosper if we take our relationship for granted,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “We don’t just share a border - our shared values are the foundation of our economic partnership at the border and beyond. Making sure goods, services, and people can move smoothly and safely between our countries and addressing behind-the-border regulatory barriers will create jobs throughout North America and make our economies more globally competitive.”

“Sometimes governments get it right, and that’s the case today,” said Perrin Beatty, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. “Today’s announcement is a major victory for businesses and citizens on both sides of the border.”

The recent submission to the Beyond the Border Working Group by the U.S. and Canadian Chambers outlined our proposals to enhance the benefits of trusted trader and traveler programs; eliminate hassles for business travelers; align and simplify customs procedures by expanding pre-clearance; modernize staffing models and business standards across government departments; and improve search and seizure capabilities to better protect intellectual property rights.

With commitment from both sides, the Beyond the Border initiative can strengthen both our economic and physical security. Likewise, the work of the Regulatory Cooperation Council strengthens the competitive position of U.S. and Canadian industries. Together, these two key reforms will spur economic growth and job creation in the United States and Canada and increase the competitiveness of both our economies.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 420 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing 192,000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at Chamber.ca or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.