ights, as well as establish procedures for the resolution of disputes. However, NAFTA has introduced increased bureaucracy in each country and more regulations and rules for businesses to contend with. The move toward NAFTA by the United States Government can be attributed as a response to the decline in U.S. productivity growth. Since the 1970s, output per worker has slowed in its growth rate dramatically. Due to this decline, the United States had to look for ways to either stimulate growth in the service sector or rely on international trade to further American progress and growth. Prior to NAFTA's enactment, conducting business and investing in Mexico was a difficult process. Investors needed the Mexican Government's approval and were also required to meet specific investment guidelines. These requirements forced investors to export a set level of goods and services, utilize domestic goods and services, and transfer technology to competitors. Under NAFTA, investors and business professionals no longer need government approval to invest and are treated as domestic investors. NAFTA has increased intellectual property rights and allowed companies to obtain patents in Mexico and Canada. In the past, companies were hesitant to export research and development intensive goods because of the need of increased intellectual property protection; however, exports of these goods has shown a definite increase. As a result of better trading conditions, exports and imports of most other goods have increased along with sensitive research and development goods. Another related trade agreement conveying the benefits of international trade is the General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT). It was created in 1947, and like NAFTA, GATT promotes international trade through the reduction of tariffs. Today, GATT encompasses over one hundred countries and 90% of the world's trade goods. There have been eight different versions of GATT, each resulting in a new trade agreement. The most recent is referred to as

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