Representatives of the US, Canada and Mexico have completed the third round of talks over the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

During discussions in Ottawa, Canada from September 23rd to 27th, negotiators were able to make progress on a number of areas, including the consolidation of text proposals and agreements in the areas of telecommunications, competition policy, digital trade, regulatory practices, and customs and trade facilitation.

Additionally, the countries were able to complete the majority of discussions on rules affecting small and medium-sized enterprises, designed to support the growth and development of these smaller firms.

Officials also made advances on the competition chapter of the new-look agreement and expect to conclude negotiations on this chapter prior to the next round of talks, which will be held in Washington DC from October 11th to 15th.

US trade representative Robert Lighthizer said: "I am hoping that our countries are capable of producing a new NAFTA that will fuel economic growth for all of us in North America in the years to come."