March 31, 2008
No. 71
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the e Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today met with provincial and territorial representatives to discuss Canada's current trade agenda and the status of the World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations.
"Canada is recognized as a world-class trading nation, but we need to keep up with global competition," said Minister Emerson. "Today, we agreed to continue worki ng together to build new commercial relationships, improve conditions for business and investors, and increase market access for Canadian goods, services and talent around the world."
Minister Emerson outlined key elements of the Global Commerce Strategy, the federal government's blueprint for strengthening Canada's competitiveness in global markets. Canada has one of the most successful and prosperous economies in the world. The Strategy lays the foundations for a stronger, more competitive position in glo bal markets by providing tools to help Canadian business tap into global value chains and adapt to today's ever-changing international markets.
Canada benefits greatly from its strong commercial links with the United States and the many advantages that the North American Free Trade Agreement affords. Being part of the largest free trade zone in the world puts Ca nada on a unique footing with its competitors. The North American partnership remains central to the federal government's strategy for ensuring a strong and prosperous Canadian economy.
At today's meeting, ministers benefited from a valuable exchange with Michael Wilson, Canada's Ambassador to Washington, on the subject of a strategic approach to add ressing common objectives with the United States. They also had the opportunity to consider ways to maximize the advantages of the North American platform and deliver results for business and citizens.
Ministers discussed Canada's relationship with the European Union and a study under way that examines the benefits of strengthening our economic ties. Launched by leaders at the June 2007 Canada-EU Summit, the study covers a wide range of bilateral trade and investment issues. Ministers expressed optimism that Canada and the EU can achieve a more extensive commercial partnership.
Minister Emerson provided an update on the current Doha Development Round of WTO negotiations and led a frank discussion about Canada's positio n in the negotiations. Ministers reaffirmed their unanimous support for a successful outcome.
"Canada will con tinue to nurture its existing relationships and promote its ambitious trade agenda to increase prosperity for Canadians across the country," added Minister Emerson. "I am pleased that my provincial and territorial counterparts expressed suppor t for our bilateral and regional trade agenda, and for developing stronger commercial partnerships in the Americas, Asia and Europe."
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A backgrounder follows.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-992-7332
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx
Backgrounder
CANADA'S GLOBAL TRADE AGENDA
Canada remains committed to the World Trade Organization's Doha Development Round of negotiations and will continue to work with all WTO members toward an ambitious outcome. C anada's Global Commerce Strategy outlines the federal government's plans for advancing our country's trade interests around the world. For more information on the Global Commerce Strategy, please visit: www.international.gc.ca/commerce/ strategy-strategie/index.aspx?lang=en
The federal government has an ambitious trade negotiations agenda that aims to solidify new commercial relationships with key partners, open up new opportunities for Canadian business and provide greater market access for a range of Canadian goods. Canada is also seeking to secure a number of new agreements with strategic partners on air services, investment, and science and technology (S&T). These agreements will provide direct benefits to C anadians.
Trade negotiations
In January 2008, Canada signed a free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Free Trade Association, which has four member states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. This was Canada's first such agreement with European countries. Canada recently concluded FTA negotiations with Peru and is currently pursuing FTAs with Colombia, the Caribbean Community, the Dominican Republic, South Korea and Jord an.
Air services
Canada continues to implement Blue Sky, the federal government's new international air transportation policy, by pursuing further liberalization of air services with key bilateral partners.
Over the last year, Canada negotiated new air services agreements or updated existing ones with 10 countries. It also launched negotiations with the EU, expected to result in a new framework for air services with the 27 EU member states.
For more information on Blue Sky, please visit: www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/ace/consultations/bluesky.htm
Investment
Another key priority is improving conditions for Canadian investors and promoting two-way investment with strategic partners. Canada recently concluded Foreign Investment Promotion and Protectio n Agreement negotiations with India and Jordan. It is currently negotiating new agreements with China, Kuwait, Vietnam, Indonesia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Mongolia.
Science and technology
Can ada is helping to link Canadian researchers and innovators to the global supply of ideas, talent and technologies through bilateral S&T arrangements. S&T agreements help develop a more competitive and dynamic environment for business, and promote Canadian expertise around the world. New S&T agreements are in place with China and India; other agreements are in place with the European Union, Japan, Germany, France, South Korea and Israel. The federal government is looking to pursue new S&T a rrangements with Brazil, Chile, the U.S., the U.K., the Netherlands, the Nordic countries, Switzerland and Mexico.
To learn more about Canada's trade agenda and current negotiations, please visit the following website:
www.international.gc.ca/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/index.aspx?lang=en
