Top trade officials from NAFTA countries to meet this week

The top trade officials from the three NAFTA countries will meet this week, with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland and Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo to gather in Washington. This comes amid Mexico's top NAFTA negotiator saying the talks have now entered a period of intensive negotiation."NAFTA modernization process is entering a phase of intensive ministerial engagement," Kenneth Smith Ramos said via Twitter, noting that his country "will continue to work constructively, and it will be the substance of the negotiation that drives any potential conclusion." There was expected to be another negotiating session yet this month in Washington, but there is speculation now that may not take place, especially with indications the U.S. wants to see an agreement in principle by April 13.