6 May 2009
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Prime Minister Stephen Harper, along with European Union President Mirek Topolánek and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, today announced the historic launch of negotiations toward an economic partnership agreement between Canada and the European Union.
“At a time when many countries are retreating into protectionism, Canada is showing the way,” said Prime Minister Harper. “We are working to open new markets and positioning our country for the future.”
This partnership has the potential to bring a $12 billion boost to the Canadian economy and lead to significant gains for both Canada and the EU.
In addition to signing an air safety agreement, we also concluded negotiations on a comprehensive air transport agreement with the EU. This will lower prices and give more choices for people traveling between Canada and Europe.
“The EU is second only to the United States when it comes to the size of our trading relationship,” said Minister Stockwell Day. “We are a trading nation. This is very good news for Canada.”
