The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Canada's Minister of International Trade, and Matthias Fekl, France's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, promote strong commercial ties between Canada and France
News Release
October 13, 2016 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, yesterday in Ottawa met with Matthias Fekl, France’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad, to further an already strong commercial relationship between Canada and France.
The two countries share a vision of progressive trade and economic cooperation to foster increased growth for the population that includes the timely implementation of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The International Trade Minister and her French counterpart also issued a joint statement entitled “Opportunities for Sustainable Trade”.
In addition, the Minister and Minister of State signed the Declaration on the Joint Economic Action Plan Canada-France 2016-2017. Minister Freeland and Axelle Lemaire, France’s Minister of State for Innovation and Digital Affairs, also signed the Declaration on Cooperation in Innovation. These arrangements will help businesses in both countries to pursue commercial opportunities in key areas of the economy.
Quotes
“As one of Canada’s key trade and investment partners, France has shown leadership by supporting the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada. This progressive agreement is a first step toward international trade that is more open, more just and more respectful of the environment and workers’ rights, which will provide direct benefits to everyone.”
- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade
“The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between the European Union and Canada is a balanced and ambitious agreement between two partners and allies. It should allow the growth of France’s exporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which represent the core of French businesses exporting to Canada, and the creation of jobs in our territories. Canada was also the first partner state in the world to accept the multilateral public investment tribunal, which marks a clear break from the private arbitration system. This step highlights an important moment for commercial trade relations.”
- Matthias Fekl, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism and French Nationals Abroad
Quick facts
- France is Canada’s eighth-largest merchandise trading partner globally and fourth-largest export market in the EU; bilateral trade is valued at $9.9 billion.
- Canada’s two-way foreign direct investment relationship with France was valued at nearly $14.8 billion at the end of 2015.
- Canada and France are long-standing collaborators in science, technology and innovation. Since France is looking to build and expand through innovation, the country serves as an ideal European entry point for Canadian companies, while Canada offers similar access to North American markets for French companies.
Associated links
- Joint Statement - Opportunities for sustainable trade
- Canada and France strengthen bilateral ties
- Canada-France relations
- Prime Minister of France to visit Canada
- Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement
- Declaration on the Joint Economic Action Plan Canada-France 2016-2017
- Declaration on Cooperation in Innovation
Contacts
Alex Lawrence
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
alex.lawrence@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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