Canada is a trading nation: International Trade Minister to address the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting
News Release
September 22, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Government of Canada is committed to creating jobs, growing the economy and strengthening the middle class. The Canadian economy depends on international trade, and Canada is actively engaging in new and rapidly growing markets that offer great opportunities for Canadian businesses to diversify and expand their export activities.
On September 24, 2017, the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, will travel to Fredericton, New Brunswick, to engage with business leaders from across Canada at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The Minister will highlight Canada’s progressive trade strategy and the imperative of trade diversification for providing Canadians with greater access to new, emerging and traditional markets. Minister Champagne will underline the benefits of the recently launched Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union (CETA) and will provide details regarding Canada’s strategic approach toward growing trade and investment to ensure the future prosperity of the middle class and those working hard to join it.
Quotes
“Canada’s progressive approach to trade is focused on further growing trade and investment relationships with existing partners, as well as diversifying into new and rapidly growing markets in Asia and South America. This comprehensive and strategic vision aims to help Canadian businesses expand their markets, which in turn creates more well-paying middle-class jobs for Canadians.”
- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade
Quick Facts
-
On September 21, 2017, the date of CETA’s provisional application, 98% of Canadian and EU tariff lines will immediately become duty-free, creating new opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.
-
In June 2017, Canada was officially invited to start negotiations on the process to become an associate member of the Pacific Alliance, a regional integration initiative founded in 2011 by Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru.
-
In September 2017, the 10 economies that comprise the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to launch exploratory discussions to determine the potential for a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement.
-
Canada is engaged in exploratory discussions with China for a possible free trade agreement and has consulted Canadians for their views on this initiative.
Associated Links
Contacts
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaTrade
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international trade - Global Affairs Canada
Page details
- Date modified: