The Canada-EU trade agreement will benefit businesses and workers on both sides of the Atlantic
January 21, 2015 - Rome, Italy - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today concluded his second trade mission to Italy, promoting a deeper bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two countries. Minister Fast was joined by Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
Minister Fast met with government representatives, including Federica Guidi, Minister of Economic Development, to discuss the growing Canada-Italy bilateral relationship, strengthened by the recently concluded Canada-EU trade agreement.
Minister Fast and Mr. Beatty also met with more than 30 business leaders from the Italian business association, Confindustria, to highlight how the Canada-EU trade agreement will open new markets for producers, creating new opportunities for exporters and investors in Canada and the EU, including Italy.
Minister Fast also met with Claudio De Vincenti, Vice-Minister of Economic Development responsible for energy, and representatives of the Italian energy sector. Canada has the potential to be an important partner in ensuring long-term energy security for Italy. Canadian energy exports to Italy increased by 1,400 percent in 2014, reaching $1.6 billion for the first 11 months of the year, compared to $106 million in 2013.
Minister Fast witnessed the signing of the Canada-Italy Joint Science, Technology and Innovation Action Plan, launched the 2015 Canada-Italy Innovation Award and met with Stefania Giannini, Minister of Education, University and Research, to discuss how the new action plan will enhance collaboration in key economic sectors and lead to innovative new products and jobs.
Max Moncaster
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
343-203-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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