Offers Canadians trade, investment opportunities and enhanced consular services
(No. 384 - December 7, 2010 - 4:45 p.m. ET) The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today officially opened the Consulate of Canada in Istanbul, Turkey, during a three-day trade mission to the country. Minister Van Loan opened the new consulate on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
"Canada and Turkey have long-standing diplomatic relations," said Minister Cannon. "The opening of the new consulate in Turkey's largest city underlines Canada's priority of expanding bilateral ties with Turkey. Our government is committed to ensuring our network abroad has the right people in the right places to serve Canadians best."
The new consulate will offer the full range of consular services to help Canadians in need of assistance; however, immigration and visa services will continue to be offered only at the Embassy of Canada in Ankara.
The trade section of the consulate will provide local business intelligence and expert advice to help Canadian companies take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in Turkey.
"The Government of Canada continues to open new markets and create new opportunities to help Canadian businesses and workers," said Minister Van Loan. "The establishment of a Canadian consulate in Istanbul will support Canadian companies eager to expand into Turkey's dynamic market."
With one of the fastest economic growth rates in the world, expected to reach 6.8 percent in 2010, Turkey presents great potential for Canadian companies and investors.
"Canada is the best place in the world for potentially job-creating investment from around the globe," said Minister Van Loan. "Canada's investment climate offers everything from low taxes and solid economic growth to the world's soundest banking system and a high quality of life."
The official opening of the consulate was attended by business representatives, guests from the Istanbul diplomatic community, as well as local government representatives.
For more information on relations between Canada and Turkey, please consult Embassy of Canada to Turkey.
For additional details on Minister Van Loan's visit, please consult Ministerial visit to Turkey and Greece.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Melissa Lantsman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
613-995-1851
Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
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Monika Bujalska
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Peter Van Loan
Minister of International Trade
613-992-9304
monika.bujalska@international.gc.ca
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
