Cabinet-level officials from the United States and Canada agreed Friday to work together to speed the flow of trade at the border while at the same time improving border security.

According to published reports, U.S. Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill and Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin met to discuss concerns that backups because of the tighter security on the 4,000-mile border is hurting both countries' economies. The two talked about using technology and other ways to change the way traffic is handled at the border crossings.
O'Neill said the countries must change the idea that all screening and customs work must actually be done at the border. Some of the ideas being considered include inspecting and certifying trucks before they depart and using information technology to collect duties and taxes.
The two agreed to develop a list of things to work on and plan to hold Cabinet-level talks on the issue every two weeks.