Showing posts with label Canada and Economic Interests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada and Economic Interests. Show all posts

14 February 2014

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada: Largest Advanced Manufacturing Export Win in Canada's History?=

Canada and Identity:
  
"This is an Olympic win for Canada and for Canadian manufacturers. It shows how great people in truly innovative companies like GDLS can compete internationally and bring home the gold. Like all victories, it's been the result of a team effort in which the Government has played a crucial role. All Canadians should be proud of this record achievement."
- Jayson Myers, President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters


Jayson Myers
President & CEO at Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters: http://ca.linkedin.com/in/jaysonmyers

  To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/02/14a.aspx

Largest Advanced Manufacturing Export Win in Canada's History

Manufacturing sector workers and firms to benefit from creation of thousands of jobs across southern Ontario and every region of Canada
February 14, 2014 - London, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, and Danny Deep, Vice President, General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada, announced today a historic multi-billion dollar contract win for vehicles and associated equipment, training and support services.
The announcement was made in London, Ontario, where the light armoured vehicles will be designed and manufactured and which will become the epicentre of a cross-Canada supply chain directly benefiting more than 500 local Canadian firms.
This 14-year contract will create and sustain more than 3,000 jobs each year in Canada, with southern Ontario accounting for approximately 40 percent of the supply base.
Facilitated by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), the Government of Canada's international government-to-government contracting organization, the contract is with Saudi Arabia, a priority market under the government's new Global Markets Action Plan.

Quick Facts

  • Minister Fast led trade missions to Saudi Arabia in 2012 and 2013.
  • In 2013, Canadian merchandise exports to Saudi Arabia totalled $900 million.
  • In 2012, the advanced manufacturing sector contributed an estimated $164.6 billion in GDP and supported 1.7 million jobs across the country.
  • Canada's manufacturing sector spent $7.3 billion on R & D in 2013, which accounted for 47 percent of total business R & D expenditures in Canada.
  • In 2012-13, CCC was active in 72 countries with more than 210 Canadian companies and signed approximately $1 billion in contracts.

Quotes

"Our government is focused on creating good jobs and opportunities for Canadian workers and their families. This landmark contract win will create thousands of advanced manufacturing jobs and new sources of prosperity throughout southern Ontario and every region of Canada. Our government will continue to support our exporters and manufacturers to create jobs, as part of our government's most ambitious pro-trade, pro-export plan in Canadian history."
- Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade
"This latest contract confirms our position as a leading armoured vehicle designer and manufacturer in the world and a Key Industrial Capability in Canada. This is a testament to the skills and quality of work that exist in Canada today. In addition, we are grateful for all of the assistance provided by the Government of Canada. The whole-of-government approach to export sales gives us a strategic advantage as we pursue international markets."
- Danny Deep, Vice President, General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada
"This is an Olympic win for Canada and for Canadian manufacturers. It shows how great people in truly innovative companies like GDLS can compete internationally and bring home the gold. Like all victories, it's been the result of a team effort in which the Government has played a crucial role. All Canadians should be proud of this record achievement."
- Jayson Myers, President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

Associated Links

Contacts

Shannon Gutoskie
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade


---
 

13 February 2014

Canada Opens New Trade Office in Northern Iraq

To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/02/13a.aspx

Canada Opens New Trade Office in Northern Iraq

Minister Yelich leads first trade mission to Iraq in 25 years
February 13, 2014 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), demonstrated Canada’s strong commitment to supporting Iraq’s democratic development by supporting an unprecedented four-day visit to the cities of Basra, Baghdad and Erbil. While in Iraq, Minister Yelich also opened a Canadian Trade Representation Office in Erbil. This was Canada’s first trade mission to Iraq in 25 years.
“Canada is expanding its presence in Iraq to support Iraqis in their efforts to build a brighter future,” said Minister Yelich. “Canada wants to help Iraq rebuild its infrastructure, develop its natural resources and create wealth for its citizens. Only by creating economic opportunity for all will Iraq regain political and social stability.”
In Baghdad, Minister Yelich delivered remarks at the first Conference on Canada-Iraq Commercial Relations, and in Erbil she spoke to the first Conference on Canada-Kurdistan Commercial Relations. These conferences brought together business leaders from Canadian companies and local Iraqi business representatives wanting to conduct business in Canada or with Canadians. The trade mission, organized by the Canada-Arab Business Council, primarily comprised companies in the oil and gas and infrastructure sectors.
During this trade mission, Minister Yelich met with Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, Vice-President Khodair al-Khozaei, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hoshyar Zebari, Basra Governor Majid Al-Nasrawi, and President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Massoud Barzani. She confirmed Canada’s resolve to support Iraq’s efforts in reconstruction and combatting terrorism. She also reiterated Canada’s commitment to supporting the Iraqi people in their ongoing efforts to build democracy and pluralistic federalism, including the important elections on April 30.
Minister Yelich also thanked the authorities in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan for their generosity in hosting Syrian refugees and promised continued Canadian support. Canada’s assistance in response to the Syrian crisis encompasses $353.5 million in humanitarian assistance and $210.6 million in development assistance to refugee-hosting countries, including $8.8 million to Iraq.
In addition, the Minister met with Sami Al-Araji, Chair of the National Investment Commission, to discuss how to work together to break the perceptions on challenges in Iraq so businesses in Canada can better take advantage of the country’s booming economy. Through their leadership and leading-edge technologies, Canadian investors promote sustainable development and responsible business practices in countries around the world.
Reconstruction efforts in Iraq will continue to create significant business opportunities for Canadian companies, which have become increasingly involved in the infrastructure, transportation, agriculture, housing and power generation sectors.
As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to expanding engagement with a key regional player, Canada reopened its diplomatic mission in Baghdad in April 2013. Canada’s new Trade Representation Office in Erbil is responsible for trade with all of Iraq and will serve as a gateway for expanding dialogue between Canada and Iraqi Kurdistan—an important part of Canada’s re-engagement with Iraq.
“A secure, stable and democratic Iraq is essential for regional peace and prosperity,” said Minister Yelich. “Canada is increasing its presence in Iraq at a critical period in the country’s transition to democracy.”
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Saro Khatchadourian
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)
613-944-2300
Saro.Khatchadourian@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade



12 February 2014

Canada and EU Celebrate Recent Trade Agreement

Source:  http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/02/12a.aspx?lang=eng

Canada and EU Celebrate Recent Trade Agreement

The Canada-EU trade agreement is a big win for workers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic
February 12, 2014 - Toronto, Ontario - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
Erin O’Toole, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, today participated in an event with more than 20 European ambassadors to Canada, including Marie-Anne Coninsx, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada, to discuss the significance of the Canada-EU trade agreement and its major benefits to both economies.
The agreement-in-principle with the European Union—announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and European Commission President José Manuel Barroso last October—is a historic win for Canada. It will generate substantial gains across all key economic sectors, covering every region of Canada.

Quick Facts

  • The EU is the world’s largest integrated economy, with more than 500 million consumers and an annual GDP of $17 trillion.
  • The EU is Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the United States.
  • In 2012, Canada exported $55.5-billion worth of goods and services to the EU.
  • Canada will be one of the few developed countries to have preferential access to the world’s two largest markets: the European Union and the United States.
  • Out of more than 9,000 EU tariff lines, approximately 98 percent will be duty-free for Canadian goods when the Canada-EU trade pact comes into force.

Quotes

“The Canada-European Union trade agreement is a big win for workers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. Providing new opportunities, opening markets and removing trade barriers to create jobs is our priority.”- Erin O’Toole, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade

Related Products

Associated Links

Contacts

Shannon Gutoskie
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

24 January 2014

Ministers Fast and Baird Meet Canadian Business Leaders in Davos - 24 January 2014

To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/photos/2014/01/24b.aspx

Ministers Fast and Baird Meet Canadian Business Leaders in Davos

Left Side (front to back):
John Beck, Chairman and CEO, Aecon Group Inc.; Donald Lindsay, President and CEO, Teck Resources Limited; the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade; Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird; Monique Leroux, Chair of the Board, President and CEO, Desjardins Group; Mark Wiseman, President and CEO, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board; and Kim Samuel-Johnson, Owner and Director, The Samuel Group of Companies
Right Side (front to back):
Peter Munk, Founder and Chairman of the Board, Barrick Gold Corporation; John Manley, President and CEO, Canadian Council of Chief Executives; Pierre Beaudoin, President and CEO, Bombardier Inc.; Dominic Barton, Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company; Steve Williams, President and CEO, Suncor Energy Inc.; and Charles Sirois, Chair of the Board, CIBC

January 24, 2014 - Davos, Switzerland - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird meet with Canadian business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF). During a round-table session, the ministers heard Canadian business leaders' perspectives on the policy tools, regulatory frameworks and trade agreements that will help their companies succeed at home and in global markets.
The ministers highlighted how the Government of Canada continues to increase Canada's competitiveness and economic strength by implementing ambitious trade-expansion plans, including an agreement-in-principle on the Canada-European Union trade agreement.
The WEF is an annual meeting that brings together the world's top decision makers from government, business and civil society. This year's meeting is taking place in Davos, Switzerland, from January 22 to 25.
For more information, please see Ministers Fast and Baird Promote Canada's Economic Leadership at World Economic Forum.
Download this photo.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade


 

23 January 2014

Canada-State of Trade Issues 1 - 6

To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/01/23a.aspx

State of Trade Issue 1: Canada Had Best Performance of G-7 Economies During Global Economic Downturn
Canada's exports are the engine of our economy, says Minister Fast
January 23, 2014 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today highlighted some of the findings from Canada's State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2013 that show how Canada has led the way among G-7 countries despite ongoing challenges within the wider global economy.
"Trade and investment are the key pillars to opening new markets for our exporters, which in turn offers exciting opportunities for our world-class businesses and their employees," said Minister Fast. "That's why our government is focused on an ambitious pro-trade plan that aims to ensure that Canadians and their families continue to prosper from international trade and investment."
Trade data show that even as world trade declined in 2012, Canada's economic performance remained solid, making it the best-performing country in the G-7 through the post-crisis recovery in both overall employment growth (up 6 percent) and real GDP growth (up 8.9 percent). Economic activity in Canada increased in all four quarters of 2012, and more than 300,000 new jobs were added, bringing the number of net new jobs created since the global recession in 2008 to nearly over 1 million. In addition, Canada's exports of goods and services expanded even while global trade was stagnant or decreasing.
Since 2006, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with nine countries: Colombia, the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), Honduras, Jordan, Panama and Peru. In addition to the recent historic agreement with the European Union, Canada is pursuing trade agreements with more than 25 countries, including large markets such as India, Japan and the countries that comprise the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Canada has concluded, signed or brought into force FIPAs with 22 countries since 2006—10 in 2013 alone—and is negotiating many more. Canada currently has 25 FIPAs in force around the world.
Canada's State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update was released on December 27, 2013. It provides an annual overview of trends in international trade in goods and services. It includes numerous figures and tables detailing Canada's performance in key markets, reports on trade and investment with NAFTA countries, updates of progress made under other free trade agreements and summaries of Canada's current and financial accounts with the United States, the European Union, Japan and other trading partners.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade


To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/01/23b.aspx

State of Trade Issue 2: Canada Takes Leadership Role in World Export Markets

Canada's growing exports confirm its status as a global trade champion, says Minister Fast
January 23, 2014 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today highlighted some of the findings from Canada's State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2013, a publication of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
"Our government's top priority is the economy and creating jobs and opportunities for hard-working Canadians and their families," said Minister Fast. "We know that trade and investment are the twin engines of growth for both the Canadian and global economies. Our leadership role on the world stage for free and open trade is backed by an economic and trade performance that shows that Canada truly is a global champion of trade."
According to the State of Trade report, Canada's total exports of goods and services around the world expanded while global trade stagnated. Data also show that $1.13 trillion worth of Canadian goods and services were traded in 2012, a new record high in this country. Canada rose from 13th to 12th place in the ranking of the world's leading exporters of merchandise, with $455 billion in total exports. The passenger-cars category contributed the largest overall change to Canada's trade balance in 2012 (up $4.9 billion) and also generated Canada's second-largest surplus ($21 billion). In 2012, Canada's exports of passenger cars jumped 19.1 percent and exports of motor-vehicle parts increased 9 percent.
In services exports, Canada went up one position from 18th to 17th place, while greater imports improved the country's global ranking from 12th to 11th.
Canada's State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update was released on December 27, 2013. It provides an annual overview of trends in international trade in goods and services. It includes numerous figures and tables detailing Canada's performance in key markets, reports on trade and investment with NAFTA countries, updates of progress made under other free trade agreements and summaries of Canada's current and financial accounts with the United States, the European Union, Japan and other trading partners.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/01/24b.aspx?lang=eng

State of Trade Issue 3: Increased Trade Provides Clear Benefits to Canadian Economy

Minister Fast underscores substantial benefits of free trade agreements
January 24, 2014 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today highlighted some of the findings from Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2013, a publication of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
“Increasing our exports and attracting investment grows our economy, creating more jobs and opportunities for hard-working Canadians in every region of our country,” said Minister Fast. “That’s why our government continues to focus on the economy and pursue the most ambitious pro-trade plan to open markets our country has ever seen.”
The State of Trade report outlines the significant positive impact that free trade agreements, such as the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA), have on the Canadian economy. Two-way merchandise trade with Chile, a priority market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan, has more than tripled since the CCFTA came into force in 1997, and totalled over $2.7 billion in 2011.
Since 2006, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with nine countries: Colombia, the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), Honduras, Jordan, Panama and Peru. In addition to the recent agreement with the European Union, Canada is pursuing trade agreements with more than 25 countries, including large markets such as India, Japan and the countries that comprise the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement. Canada has concluded, signed or brought into force foreign investment promotion and protection agreements (FIPAs) with 22 countries since 2006—10 in 2013 alone—and is negotiating many more. Canada currently has 25 FIPAs in force around the world.
Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update was released on December 27, 2013. It provides an annual overview of trends in international trade in goods and services. It includes numerous figures and tables detailing Canada’s performance in key markets, reports on trade and investment with NAFTA countries, updates on progress made under other free trade agreements and summaries of Canada’s current and financial accounts with the United States, the European Union, Japan and other trading partners.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade


To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link: http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/01/24c.aspx?lang=eng

State of Trade Issue 4: Harper Government’s Trade Leadership Helps Fuel Canadian Economy


Trade with NAFTA partners continues to bring jobs, opportunities and prosperity to Canadians, says Minister Fast
January 24, 2014 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today highlighted some of the findings from Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2013, a publication of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
“Our government is focused on the real priorities of Canadians: creating new jobs and new opportunities,” said Minister Fast. “We know that free trade is the engine of our economy. That’s why we continue to open new markets for Canadian exporters and strengthen our existing relationships, such as those with our key NAFTA partners.”
The State of Trade report outlines the significant positive impact that free trade agreements such as NAFTA continue to have on Canada’s economy. Under NAFTA, Mexico—a priority market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan—is becoming more strongly integrated into North American value chains each year. In 2012, Canada’s merchandise exports to Mexico reached $5.4 billion, making it our fifth-largest export destination. And 2012 also marked the third consecutive year of significant growth in Canadian exports of canola seeds to Mexico (up $120 million); canola seeds remained Canada’s top export commodity to Mexico. In addition, Canadian exports of vehicles to Mexico expanded by $135 million while exports of mechanical machinery grew by $58 million and those of iron and steel grew by $65 million.
Following the historic Canada-U.S. free trade agreement, NAFTA came into effect on January 1, 1994. Since its inception, NAFTA has generated economic growth and rising standards of living for the people of all three member countries. By strengthening the rules and procedures governing trade and investment throughout the continent, NAFTA has proved to be a solid foundation for building Canada’s future prosperity.
Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update was released on December 27, 2013. It provides an annual overview of recent trends in international trade in goods and services. It includes numerous figures and tables detailing Canada’s performance in key markets, reports on trade and investment with NAFTA countries, updates of progress made under other free trade agreements and summaries of Canada’s current and financial accounts with the United States, the European Union, Japan and other trading partners.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

 
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
 

State of Trade Issue 5: Canadian Companies Continue to Benefit from Increased Bilateral Trade

Canadian exports to China have reached record levels thanks to the Harper government’s focus on opening new markets
January 27, 2014 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today presented some of the findings from Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2013, a publication of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
“We know that when Canadian businesses succeed abroad, jobs and opportunities are created for hard-working Canadians here at home,” said Minister Fast. “Through our government’s hands-on engagement, our exports to China are at record levels and our world-class Canadian businesses are finding success in key markets across China.”
The State of Trade report highlights some findings on Canada’s increasingly important bilateral trade relationship with China, a priority market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan. As in 2011, growth in Canada’s merchandise exports to China (up 15.1 percent) outpaced the growth of Canada’s merchandise imports from China (up 5.3 percent). Canada’s bilateral trade with China continued to increase in 2012, up 7.8 percent to reach $70.1 billion. From 2006 to 2012, Canada’s merchandise exports to China grew 16 percent per year on average.
“Our government is committed to continuing to help our businesses grow their exports to China,” said Minister Fast. “On my many trade missions to that country, I have always advanced Canada’s commercial interests in my meetings with China’s political and business leaders and I will continue to do so because our government knows that when Canadian businesses find success in global markets, jobs and opportunities are created here at home.”
Since 2006, Canada has concluded free trade agreements with nine countries: Colombia, the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), Honduras, Jordan, Panama and Peru. In addition to the recent historic agreement with the European Union, Canada is pursuing trade agreements with more than 25 countries, including large markets such as India, Japan and the countries that comprise the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.
Canada has also concluded, signed or brought into force foreign investment promotion and protection agreements (FIPAs) with 22 countries since 2006—10 in 2013 alone—and is negotiating with many more. Canada currently has 25 FIPAs in force around the world.
Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update was released on December 27, 2013. It provides an annual overview of trends in international trade in goods and services. It includes numerous figures and tables detailing Canada’s performance in key markets, reports on trade and investment with NAFTA countries, updates of progress made under other free trade agreements and summaries of Canada’s current and financial accounts with the United States, the European Union, Japan and other trading partners.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/01/27b.aspx?lang=eng

State of Trade Issue 6: The Greatest Trade Relationship in the World Continues to Benefit Canadian Economy

Canada-U.S. trading relationship stronger than ever, says Minister Fast
January 27, 2014 – The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today presented some of the findings from Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update 2013, a publication of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada.
“Canada’s close trading relationship with the United States continues to benefit all Canadians, creating and sustaining jobs and contributing to our economy and our prosperity every day,” said Minister Fast. “That’s why we continue to work with our American friends and partners to strengthen this relationship to the benefit of workers and families in both countries.”
In 2012, mineral fuels and oil (primarily crude) remained Canada’s top export to the United States, accounting for $105.8 billion out of $338.7 billion in total merchandise exports, or 31.2 percent. Canada’s exports of automotive products to the United States, the second-largest export category at $58.4 billion, saw the biggest growth in 2012 (up $8.1 billion). The United States, a priority market under Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan, is the destination of nearly three quarters of Canada’s merchandise exports.
“I recently met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker to discuss the economic and commercial advances that we have made in the 20 years since NAFTA was implemented and how we can build on that progress to continue growing our economies and creating jobs,” said Minister Fast. “When it comes to the Canada-United States trading relationship—the most successful free trade relationship the world has ever seen—the possibilities truly are endless.”
Following the historic Canada-U.S. free trade agreement, NAFTA came into effect on January 1, 1994. Since then, two-way trade in goods and services between Canada and the United States has more than doubled. In 2012, our bilateral trade in goods and services was $742 billion—equivalent to almost 41 percent of Canada’s GDP. Over 10 million jobs in both countries depend on Canada-U.S. trade—8 million in the United States and 2.4 million in Canada. Canada and the United States are each other’s largest export market. In fact, Canada is the number one foreign market for goods for 38 of the 50 U.S. states.
Canada’s State of Trade: Trade and Investment Update was released on December 27, 2013. It provides an annual overview of recent trends in international trade in goods and services. It includes numerous figures and tables detailing Canada’s performance in key markets, reports on trade and investment with NAFTA countries, updates of progress made under other free trade agreements and summaries of Canada’s current and financial accounts with the United States, the European Union, Japan and other trading partners.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

19 January 2014

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada: Minister Fast Meets Chicago Mayor

 
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:

Minister Fast Meets Chicago Mayor

Photo (left to right): Minister Fast and Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago.

January 17, 2014 - Chicago, Illinois - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, meets Rahm Emanuel, Mayor of Chicago and former White House chief of staff, during a visit to the windy city.
The Minister and the mayor discussed the strong commercial ties between Chicago and Canada —Canadian-owned businesses operating in the Chicago area directly employ more than 24,000 Illinoisans.
Minister Fast invited the mayor to lead a trade mission to Canada and highlighted Canada's numerous investment advantages and rock-solid economic fundamentals.
Minister Fast, along with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker, is in Chicago today to discuss the productive commercial relationship between Canada and the United States and to advance the Beyond the Border Action Plan. In addition, the Minister is holding a number of high-level private and public sector meetings to advocate for Canadian businesses and encourage U.S. investments in Canada.
For more information, please see Minister Fast Visits Chicago.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada: Minister Fast Advances Beyond the Border Action Plan and Canadian Commercial Interests in Chicago

 
Subject: Minister Fast Advances Beyond the Border Action Plan and Canadian Commercial Interests in Chicago
To view this document on the department website, please click on the following link:
http://www.international.gc.ca/media/comm/news-communiques/2014/01/17a.aspx

Minister Fast Advances Beyond the Border Action Plan and Canadian Commercial Interests in Chicago

Creating new jobs and opportunities for Canadians the Harper government's top priority
January 17, 2014 - Chicago, Illinois - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, met with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker in Chicago today to reaffirm their shared commitment to the Canada-U.S. Beyond the Border Action Plan.
The two noted the results achieved during the past two years under the Beyond the Border Action Plan and restated a commitment to support their leaders by directing officials to redouble efforts to fully implement the initiatives to continue to create jobs and economic growth while ensuring shared security and prosperity.
The Declaration on a Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness, and its accompanying Beyond the Border Action Plan, announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama in 2011, are invaluable tools for developing innovative approaches to cooperation and border-clearance processes that will generate benefits for workers and businesses in both countries and enhance the North American production platform and enable it to soar to new heights within the fiercely competitive global economy.
Delivering on the Beyond the Border Action Plan initiatives is vital to strengthening economic competitiveness and securing increased flows of prosperity-generating goods, services and people. Minister Fast and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Pritzker are committed to achieving the long-term objectives of the Beyond the Border vision, by deepening engagement with stakeholders to further strengthen the Canada-U.S. partnership, the greatest economic relationship the world has ever known.

Quick Facts

  • The value of Canada-U.S. bilateral trade in goods and services surpassed $742.5 billion in 2012, with over $2 billion worth of goods and services crossing the Canada-U.S. border every day—more than $1.4 million traded every single minute.
  • More than 70 percent of Canada's exports go to the United States. Canada is the number one destination for exporters in 38 U.S. states.
  • Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Illinois was worth $57.3 billion in 2012, more than double the total value of trade between Canada and the United Kingdom, Canada's fourth-largest national merchandise trading partner.
  • Canadian companies, in 17,000 U.S. locations, employ a total of more than 675,000 Americans.
  • Illinois is the largest export destination for Canadian crude oil—the bulk of which goes to Midwestern refineries.

Quotes

"In our discussions, and in wider consultations with key industry and business leaders, we committed to deepening our engagement with Canadian and American stakeholders as we continue to move the Action Plan initiatives forward, recognizing that Canada and the United States have the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, with two-way trade in goods and services surpassing $700 billion in 2012, supporting millions of jobs in both countries." - Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade
"U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and I noted that with more than 100 ports of entry, as well as our highly integrated supply chains, removing red tape and streamlining processes to ensure the efficient movement of people and goods are crucial to the daily lives of our citizens, the health of our communities and the competitiveness of our economies." - Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade

Associated Links

Contacts

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade