Promotes Canada-EU economic and trade agreement
(No. 150 - May 3, 2010 - 11:30 a.m. ET) During an official visit to Sweden, the Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Science and Technology and promoted the benefits of freer trade with the European Union.
“Our science and technology agreement will make it easier for researchers in Canada and Sweden to collaborate on leading-edge discoveries,” said Minister Van Loan. “Collaboration on research and commercialization is an important part of our relationship. We look forward to doing more in this area.”
Minister Van Loan also met with Canadian and Swedish firms and research centres to discuss opportunities and challenges in the technology sector. He also met with senior government officials, including his Swedish counterpart, Minister for Trade Ewa Björling, and the Minister for Higher Education and Research, Tobias Krantz.
“Canada’s trade relationship with Sweden is strong and growing,” said Minister Van Loan. “The conclusion of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union would certainly benefit our commercial relations by boosting our bilateral trade. As our economies continue to recover from the economic downturn, free trade will create jobs and increase prosperity in both countries.”
Canada and the European Union began a third round of negotiations toward an agreement in Ottawa. Significant progress was made in key areas such as investment, regulatory cooperation, trade remedies and electronic commerce.
Trade between Canada and Sweden involves a wide number of sectors, including health sciences, high technology, agriculture and green technologies.
In 2009, Canada’s two-way trade with Sweden totalled over $2 billion. Minister Van Loan visited Sweden before attending the Canada-EU Summit in Brussels with Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Minister of International Trade Peter Van Loan and Sweden’s Minister for Higher Education and Research Tobias Krantz signed an agreement May 3 to deepen science and technology cooperation between Canada and Sweden.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Monika Bujalska
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Peter Van Loan
Minister of International Trade
613-992-9304
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
