Bloomberg Quotes Stephen Kho on Prospects for NAFTA Deal
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Stephen Kho, a partner in the international trade practice at Akin Gump, was quoted in the Bloomberg story “A Nafta Deal in May? Negotiators Will Try, But It Won't Be Easy.” The article reports that negotiators from Canada, Mexico and the United States will meet in Washington this week to try to reach a deal on the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Several contentious issues remain unresolved, according to the article, with none of the three parties appearing to give up any ground. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer is pushing to get a deal to meet deadlines for the House and Senate to debate and approve an agreement this year. The article cites a Mexican official as predicting an 80 percent chance for a deal this month, though he cautioned that getting there will depend on flexibility among the three nations.
Kho, who spent nine years in a senior role at the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, said the ability to reach a deal in that time is far from certain. “While you hear generally good vibes, it still wouldn’t be surprising if things fall apart,” he said.
