Minister Carr announces more support for Canadian businesses looking to reach European markets

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

July 18, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

There has never been a better time to diversify Canada’s trade and investment opportunities. With trade deals such as the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Canadian exporters gain preferential access to the EU’s more than 500 million consumers.

On July 17 and 18, 2019, the Honorable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, participated in the Canada-European Union Summit in Montréal, Quebec, where he championed the shared commitments to inclusive trade and promoted the tangible benefits of CETA for Canadians and businesses alike.

At the summit, Minister Carr announced the expansion of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service throughout Europe as part of the government’s trade diversification strategy and commitment to invest $44.1 million to increase the number of trade commissioners available to serve Canadian firms in key overseas markets. The announcement means 11 new trade commissioners are joining the network of more than 160 trade commissioners at embassies and consulates on the ground from Oslo, Norway, to Athens, Greece.

During the summit, Minister Carr met with Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade, to discuss building on CETA’s early successes in growing Canadian businesses and creating good-paying jobs for hard-working Canadians. At a round-table lunch with women business leaders, Minister Carr engaged in discussions on opportunities available for businesswomen under CETA and the important contribution women make to sustainable economic growth through trade.

Quotes

“It is our job to open more doors and make sure that Canadians have access to global markets. The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement is already resulting in new customers, clients and good middle-class jobs across Canada. With more trade commissioners on the ground throughout Europe, Canadians will have more opportunities to succeed on the world stage.”

- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

Quick facts

  • New trade commissioner positions in Europe will be located in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Munich, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; Bucharest, Romania; Lisbon, Portugal; London, United Kingdom; Milan, Italy; and Tallinn, Estonia.

  • In 2018, Canada’s merchandise exports to the EU were nearly $44.5 billion, an increase of 7% over 2017.

  • CETA was signed in October 2016 and came into force in September 2017, giving Canada access to the EU’s more than 500 million consumers.

  • The EU is Canada’s largest trading partner after the United States.

  • CETA strengthens economic relations, promotes new economic opportunities for Canadian and European businesses and increases jobs.

  • Approximately 98% of the EU’s tariff lines on Canadian goods have been duty-free since September 21, 2017.

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Contacts

Michael Jones
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade Diversification
(343) 550-2368
Michael.Jones@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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