25 March 2012
Tokyo, Japan
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks in Tokyo, Japan:
“Just a few days ago, the world stood united with Japan, in marking the anniversary of last year’s tragic earthquake and tsunami.
“The rapid reconstruction is a testament to the amazing resilience of the Japanese people and to Prime Minister Noda’s vision of a nation ‘reborn as a better place.’
“Tomorrow I will visit Sendai to see it for myself.
“Today, Prime Minister Noda and I agreed to cooperative programs involving our space agencies scientists, youth, defence forces and several other organizations representing our two countries.
“Prime Minister Noda and I are especially pleased to announce the formal launch of free trade negotiations between Canada and Japan.
“This is a truly historic step that will help create jobs and growth for both countries.
“Japan is the world’s third-largest economy and our fourth-largest export market.
“I’m told that we have the potential to increase our exports to Japan by as much as two-thirds.
“As part of our Economic Action Plan, the negotiations we’re announcing today complement Canada’s ambitious trade agenda.
“In January 2006, Canada had free trade agreements with only five countries.
“Since then we’ve concluded with nine more and we’ve begun negotiations with 52 other countries, including the European Union, India, Thailand and now, Japan.
“And this can only help build on our economic, energy and security relationship with this great nation.
“Prime Minister, let me thank you once again for your generous hospitality and for this historic day, and this historic journey, on which we are embarking together.
“Thank you.”
