June 16, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today marked the conclusion of a Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) inter-sessional round of negotiations hosted by Canada, which took place in Vancouver from June 14 to 16, 2013.
“As a government committed to opening new markets to increase Canadian exports to fast-growing regions around the world, we are proud to be playing an active role in negotiating an ambitious TPP agreement that advances Canadian interests and brings jobs, growth and prosperity to all TPP countries,” said Minister Fast. “I am pleased to report that the sessions held in Vancouver have helped move these important negotiations forward.”
Inter-sessional rounds are an opportunity for TPP countries to advance technical discussions on specific areas of the negotiations. In Vancouver, discussions focused on investment provisions.
The TPP currently comprises 11 countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam. Canada formally joined negotiations on October 8, 2012.
Japan will be joining the TPP after the next round of negotiations, which will take place in Malaysia from July 15 to 25, 2013. With the addition of Japan, the TPP will represent a market of more than 792 million people and a combined GDP of $27.5 trillion—over 38 percent of the world’s economy.
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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
rudy.husny@international.gc.ca
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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