Backgrounder

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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Canada's Free Trade Plan

January 27, 2011
Rabat, Morocco

• In keeping with its Global Commerce Strategy, the Canadian Government is moving ahead with a strong and ambitious free trade agenda. Freer trade is an essential contributor to Canada's productivity, growth and prosperity, and ensures Canada's competitiveness in external markets. It is also a key element in the Government's response to the global economic crisis, supporting economic growth while sending a strong signal against protectionism. The Government's determined commitment to pursue free trade will create jobs and generate prosperity for Canadians. The Government is currently in negotiation on opening new markets for Canadians and Canadian businesses with about 50 countries.

• In Toronto, recognizing that global trade is a driver for growth, the G-20 leaders extended their commitment to resist protectionism for an additional three years, until 2013. In Seoul, G-20 Leaders reiterated their call for a comprehensive, balanced and ambitious conclusion to the World Trade Organization Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations Canada's positive experience with free trade—and our ambitious free trade agenda—can stand as a model for opening doors to increased business and investment activity.

Free trade agreements that entered into force since 2006: European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), implemented on July 1, 2009; and Peru, implemented on August 1, 2009. Free trade agreements that have been signed since 2006: Colombia, signed November 21, 2008; Jordan, signed June 28, 2009; and Panama, signed May 14, 2010. The following are Canada's additional key free trade accomplishments since 2006:

Morocco:

• Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the launch of trade negotiations with Morocco on January 27, 2011 in Rabat.

European Union:

• The sixth round of Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement negotiations took place January 17 to 21, 2011 in Brussels.

• Parties continue to work toward an ambitious and comprehensive agreement.

India:

• Prime Minister Harper announced the opening of talks toward a Canada-India free trade agreement on November 12, 2010.

• On November 16, 2010 Canada's International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan held a productive first round of free trade negotiations in Delhi, India.

Japan:

• Canada and Japan have been consulting on options for pursuing free trade and will continue these discussions.

Other countries:

• Canada is pursuing the expansion of existing FTAs with Chile, Costa Rica and Israel.

Since 2006, Canada has been in preliminary talks or formal free trade negotiations with the following countries: Morocco, negotiations announced January 27, 2011; European Union, negotiations launched May 6, 2009; Caribbean Community CARICOM, negotiations launched July 19, 2007; Ukraine, negotiations launched May 2010; and India, launched in November 2010. Canada has also been in free trade discussions with the following countries: Singapore, Central America Four (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua), Korea and Dominican Republic, launched in October 2001, December 2001, November 2004 and June 2007 respectively. Exploratory talks are also underway with Japan and Turkey.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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