The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, is visiting Hong Kong and Bangkok this week to promote Canada’s newly released Economic Action Plan 2013, which encourages the opening of new markets and the expansion of trade and investment with large, dynamic and fast-growing economies.
“Our Government remains squarely focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Flaherty. “Helping Canadian businesses succeed globally and attracting investment, especially from fast-growing markets like those in the Asia-Pacific region, are key elements to advancing those goals.”
Since the global economic crisis began, the Harper Government has introduced measures to address short-term risks to protect Canadian jobs and the economy, while also taking a longer-term view to securing lasting prosperity for Canadians. This has included measures such as expanding the country’s global trade network.
Since 2006, Minister Flaherty has made several trips to Asia to promote the Canadian economy and encourage further trade. In less than six years, the Harper Government has concluded free trade agreements with nine countries and is working toward concluding agreements with the European Union, India and Japan, as well as the countries that comprise the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
In addition, Canada has concluded foreign investment promotion and protection agreements with several other countries, including reaching a historic agreement with its second-largest trading partner, China. In November 2012, Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited Hong Kong, where he witnessed the signing of a bilateral treaty to reduce tax barriers and increase the flow of trade and investment.
“Among global investors, Canada has a well-earned reputation for responsible fiscal, economic and financial sector management,” said Minister Flaherty. “We continue to receive the highest possible credit ratings and have had the strongest growth and job creation over the recovery among Group of Seven (G-7) countries, making Canada a natural choice for investment.”
Kathleen Perchaluk
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Finance
613-996-7861
Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080
