Creating good jobs and new sources of prosperity is the Harper government’s top priority, says Minister Fast as he meets with his TPP counterparts in Brunei
August 23, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today wrapped up a successful meeting with trade ministers from the countries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). The TPP Ministerial Meeting was held August 22 and 23, 2013, in Brunei.
“In order to open new markets for Canadian exporters, our government is undertaking the most ambitious pro-trade plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in Canadian history,” said Minister Fast. “That is why I was pleased to meet with my TPP counterparts this week and reiterate our shared commitment to achieving a timely conclusion to the negotiations for an ambitious agreement.”
To continue to move negotiations forward and resolve outstanding issues, TPP members have agreed to a regular schedule of technical work between official negotiating rounds. Several intersessional meetings have been scheduled, including one in Ottawa from August 26 to 29, 2013, where discussions will focus on labour provisions.
“Canada continues to play an active role in advancing the TPP negotiations toward an agreement that will create jobs and growth across key sectors in every region of our country,” said Minister Fast. “Canada is pleased to be hosting an intersessional meeting to keep the momentum behind these negotiations moving forward. This meeting is further proof of Canada’s leadership on the world stage in favour of trade liberalization.”
While in Brunei, Minister Fast also had separate meetings with several of his trade counterparts—including Michael Froman, United States Trade Representative; Ildefonso Guajardo, Mexico’s Secretary of Economy; Mustapa Mohamed, Malaysia’s Minister of International Trade and Industry; and, Japan’s Minister of State for Economic Revitalization—to discuss the status of TPP negotiations and other bilateral issues.
Round 19 of the TPP negotiations, which is under way in Brunei, will continue until August 30, 2013.
Twelve countries are currently participating in the TPP negotiations: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.
The TPP market represents more than 792 million people and a combined GDP of $27.5 trillion—more than 38 percent of the world’s economy.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Adam Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
adam.taylor@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
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