Minister Paradis promotes economic development in La Francophonie
October 9, 2014 - Washington, D.C. - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, highlighted Canada’s role in the economic development of La Francophonie, and reiterated the importance of science and technology, resource management and partnership with the private sector to help developing countries reduce poverty and grow their economies more sustainably. The Minister made his remarks at a conference hosted by the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS) entitled Major Drivers for the Development Agenda: The Trade and Development Nexus, Science and Technology, and Governance in the Extractives Industry.
“Sustainable economic growth is one of the most effective ways to help people lift themselves out of poverty,” said Minister Paradis. “Canada is deepening its engagement with developing countries in La Francophonie by working with a wide range of partners, including developing-country governments, Canadian civil society and private sector organizations, and multilateral institutions. This collaboration will help reduce poverty, including by creating an attractive environment for trade and investment.”
Canada’s efforts in developing countries in La Francophonie are focused on a strengthened role for the private sector in stimulating sustainable economic growth, free market access, international cooperation and local development, education, research and development, growth in a digital economy, the green economy and transparent governance.
Minister Paradis also discussed Canada’s efforts aimed at leveraging Canadian science and technology research, discovery and innovation to eliminate poverty in developing countries. He also highlighted how Canada is helping developing countries to enhance their capacity to manage their extractive sectors, which in turn creates jobs, provides governments with revenue to deliver services to their citizens and enables communities to maximize the benefits of the sector.
“Canada is recognized as a world leader in responsible resource development,” said Minister Paradis. “By increasing innovation and involving the private sector, we are taking Canadian expertise and turning it into concrete results that support sustainable economic growth and contribute to prosperity for all, including Canadians.”
Minister Paradis’ participation in this conference is part of Canada’s preparations for the 15th Summit of La Francophonie, which will take place in Dakar, Senegal, on November 29–30, 2014. The theme of the Dakar Summit will be Women and Youth in La Francophonie: Agents for Peace and Development. At the summit, member countries, including Canada, will work toward the adoption of the Economic Strategy for La Francophonie.
Louis Longchamps
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-6238
louis.longchamps@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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