The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today concluded his visit to Hong Kong and Bangkok, where he highlighted how Economic Action Plan 2013—the next phase of the Harper Government’s plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity—is making Canada an attractive place to invest and is helping Canadian businesses compete in the global economy.
“By building relationships with dynamic and influential economies in fast-growing markets such as Asia and through key measures in Economic Action Plan 2013, our Government is playing its part in attracting investment to Canada, while helping Canadian manufacturers and businesses succeed globally,” said Minister Flaherty.
Minister Flaherty spoke to business leaders and investors at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, where he promoted Canada’s strengths as a major investment destination and trading partner. The Minister also highlighted aspects of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2013, including initiatives to support a globally competitive manufacturing sector, major new investments in Canada’s infrastructure and an innovative new program to match the skills training Canadians are receiving with the needs of employers. The Plan also maintains a low-tax, business-friendly environment that reduces unnecessary red tape and encourages investment in Canada.
To conclude his visit to Asia in Bangkok, the Minister met with Thai business leaders and investors and with Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Kittiratt Na-Ranong, to discuss opportunities for collaboration on trade and investment. Minister Flaherty also met with Central Bank Governor Prasarn Trairatvorakul.
“Canada is alone among the Group of Seven (G-7) countries to receive the highest possible credit ratings from all the major credit rating agencies, which contributes to our strong global reputation,” said Minister Flaherty. “We have earned the trust of global investors for our responsible fiscal, economic and financial sector management, which makes Canada an increasingly attractive destination for investment.”
