8 October 2013
Bali, Indonesia
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the Government’s plan to launch a pilot project that will facilitate Canadian business travel to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies.
“Our Government is committed to making it easier for Canadian business people to travel to participating APEC economies to expand their businesses’ international reach, with a view to creating jobs and economic growth,” said Prime Minister Harper. “This pilot project will help Canadian businessmen and women travel more easily to the Asia-Pacific region, one of Canada’s export markets of choice. This just makes good business sense.”
The APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) is designed to promote fast and efficient travel for business people within the Asia-Pacific region. Canada is expected to launch its ABTC pilot this winter. This will allow Canadian business travellers who are NEXUS members to apply for an ABTC to access designated APEC lines when travelling to participating foreign APEC economies. Canadian business travellers will also benefit from faster border clearance upon return to Canada by using a Trusted Traveller kiosk.
The Government of Canada has consulted with key stakeholders from the business community who are pleased that Canada is moving forward with an ABTC pilot.
