August 30, 2012 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and His Excellency Keat Chhon, Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, today marked 59 years of Cambodia-Canada relations with a bilateral meeting in Phnom Penh.
The two ministers welcomed the growth of bilateral trade between Cambodia and Canada, which reached a record $533 million in 2011, and discussed ways that both governments can help foster even greater bilateral trade and investment in the future. The two ministers agreed that one of the best catalysts for increased prosperity is free and open trade and investment.
Minister Fast expressed his enthusiasm for joining Cambodia in co-chairing the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Canada Economic Ministers Meeting in Siem Reap tomorrow.
The two ministers discussed how the joint statement on trade and investment with ASEAN, adopted in October 2011 in Jakarta, is helping to set the stage for a more prosperous future for citizens of both countries.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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