Following the opening round of NAFTA renegotiations in Washington last month, an intense round has just wrapped up in Mexico City.

(Edgard Garrido / Reuters)

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland sounded upbeat in remarks following the session.

”Canada’s goal is, and will remain, to modernize NAFTA in a way that upholds Canadians interests and values, and benefits the middle-class and those working hard to join it, in all three of our countries.”

Word has it the three government representatives covered a wide range of issues, from auto-parts rules to Buy American regulations, intellectual property.

Canada’s also pushing for improved labour and environmental provisions as a top priority for a new trade agreement.

The next round of renegotiations is set to take place in Ottawa later this month, reportedly September 23-27, when some close to the talks say serious horse-trading’s expected to really start.