June 19, 2014 - Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today wrapped up his first visit to Burkina Faso, where he set a new course for increased engagement between Canada and the sub-Saharan African nation by deepening commercial ties.
During his two-day visit, Minister Fast launched an office of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and announced the launch of negotiations toward a tax information exchange agreement (TIEA) with Burkina Faso. He also held productive discussions with Burkina Faso’s Prime Minister Luc Adolphe Tiao and Salif Kaboré, Minister of Mines and Energy.
The visit follows closely last week’s announcement that the two countries have concluded negotiations on a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA). Prime Minister Tiao, Minister Kaboré and Patiendé Arthur Kafando, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Handicrafts, were in Canada last week to attend the Conference of Montreal.
During his visit, Minister Fast also announced the Support to Women Rice Parboilers Project, a $6.04-million initiative to promote the integration of Burkinan women entrepreneurs into the local market by improving rice quality and professionalizing women’s rice parboiler associations.
Minister Fast also congratulated Windiga Energy, a Canadian independent power producer, on a $50-million contract win to build a solar power plant in Zina, Burkina Faso. This project will also include a community development segment for rural electrification of a number of villages in the area.
Shannon Gutoskie
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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