Free Trade and Open Markets Fundamental to the Financial Security of Canadians | WPN World People News

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today underscored the Harper government’s strong commitment to protecting and strengthening the financial security of hard-working Canadians by deepening and broadening Canada’s trading relationships.

In his first keynote speech, delivered to members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, representing businesses of all sizes from across Canada, Minister Fast stated that “International trade is, fundamentally, a kitchen-table issue, a matter of fundamental importance to the financial security of hard-working Canadians.”

“The Harper government will never forget that one in five Canadian jobs is directly or indirectly dependent on exports and that trade accounts for almost 60 percent of our GDP,” he added. “That is why we are committed to securing and deepening access to traditional markets—like the United States—and broadening and expanding access to more markets—like the European Union, India and the other fast-growing countries of Asia, and the Americas.”

Minister Fast also used the occasion of the Chamber of Commerce’s International Trade Day to release Canada’s State of Trade 2011, an annual publication of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada detailing this country’s trade and investment status. The report indicates that Canadian exports and imports of goods and services to and from all major markets increased in 2010.

However, the Minister emphasized that the Harper government will not sit idle, and is committed to building on and intensifying Canada’s pursuit of new and better trading relations.

“The global economic recovery remains fragile, and many threats remain. Jobs and economic growth to benefit Canadians are our government’s key focus. That is why we are committed to aggressively pursuing bilateral and regional trade talks and making more effective use of Canada’s diplomatic assets.”

Among these efforts is the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which has the potential to boost two-way trade by 20 percent and add $20 billion to Canada’s economy.

The government is also working to complete an agreement with India—one of the world’s fastest-growing and largest economies, with one billion customers—which has the potential to provide a $6-billion boost to Canada’s economy.

“In addition, the Canada-U.S. shared vision for perimeter security and economic competitiveness, announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama, will see our countries working to create jobs, economic growth and prosperity,” said Minister Fast.

Minister Fast concluded his speech by asking all those who share these objectives to join with the Harper government to address and overcome the risks and challenges both here at home and abroad.

“We will only be as successful as we are united, as we strengthen and build the trade opportunities that will be crucial to Canada’s long-term economic success,” concluded Minister Fast.

“I pledge to you that the Harper government and I as minister are committed to being here for you as a strong partner, whether through tough negotiations on trade policy with other governments, or by ensuring we make even more effective use of Canada’s diplomatic assets in advancing the interests of Canadian businesses around the world.”

Source: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada