The Government of Canada, in cooperation with TFO Canada, is exploring innovative ways to get businesses more involved in international development.
February 20, 2014 – Gatineau, Quebec – Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, met today with representatives of Canadian businesses to consider opportunities to form partnerships designed to reduce poverty in developing countries.
"We seek to form solid partnerships with the private sector characterized by mutual cooperation, respect, and trust to create an environment where the full resource potential of developing countries is sustainably developed," said Minister Paradis. "The ideas and proposals put forward today will help us to break the cycle of poverty and dependence."
Participants discussed a wide range of ways to involve the private sector in development. These included guarantees to promote investment, subsidized loans given with more favourable terms, new partnerships to help Canadian retailers to invest in emerging markets, and other innovative means aimed at promoting involvement and investment by Canadian businesses.
"Our government seeks original, new approaches to development," said Minister Paradis. "The private sector is a vital stakeholder if we want to achieve meaningful development results. By giving businesses market access, and by encouraging investment, innovation, training, and trade, we favour economic growth in developing countries."
Canada's Economic Action Plan 2014 reiterates Canada's commitment to governance, coherence, and aid effectiveness. This translates, most notably, into concrete efforts to deepen the Government of Canada's involvement with the private sector to assist communities living in poverty.
Margaux Stastny
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie
819-953-6238
margaux.stastny@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
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