Providing new export opportunities and opening markets for Canada’s world-class forestry products creates jobs, growth and long-term prosperity
January 7, 2015 - Ottawa, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
International Trade Minister Ed Fast, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario Greg Rickford and Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz welcome the opening of India’s market to Canadian ash wood and timber products.
Access to the growing Indian market will greatly benefit Canadian ash lumber and wood producers. Indian manufacturers use ash for in-demand products such as flooring, cabinetry, doors and furniture. Canadian scientists played a critical role in addressing market access issues, informing the Indian government of Canadian protocols that allow for safe and responsible movement of Canada’s high-quality, sustainably produced wood products.
Continued collaboration between India and Canada is also helping to expand market access for other Canadian wood products and helping to create jobs and new opportunities for the Canadian wood products industry. India’s announcement builds on Canada’s success in opening the Indian market to Canadian eastern spruce products in July 2013.
“I am pleased that we were successful in opening a new market for world-class Canadian lumber, helping Canadian exporters tap into the large and growing Indian market. The potential market for Canadian lumber in India is significant, and this is very good news for Canada’s forestry workers and their families.”
- Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade
“Canadian companies manufacturing lumber and wood products from ash species can now export to India, where demand for housing and wood products is expected to grow in the years ahead. Our government understands the need to enhance market access for our forest product exports. This is a welcome milestone that builds on our earlier success in expanding export markets for Canadian wood.”
- Greg Rickford, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
“This announcement demonstrates the continued integrity of our plant protection policies and export requirements. More trade opportunities in our forestry sector mean more Canadians at work.”
- Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Max Moncaster
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
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Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
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