In early 2014, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) will be providing its clients with a new information processing system to manage the import and export permit process. The existing systems, EXCOL and EICS, will be replaced by a single, web-enabled platform called EICS-II. Replacing the two aging systems will ensure application availability, will [...]
In early 2014, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) will be providing its clients with a new information processing system to manage the import and export permit process. The existing systems, EXCOL and EICS, will be replaced by a single, web-enabled platform called EICS-II.
Replacing the two aging systems will ensure application availability, will significantly reduce the number of incidents reported by our clients and will result in quicker, more efficient and higher quality interactions between DFAIT and its clients. While both EXCOL and EICS systems will be retired with the release of EICS-II, the current Electronic Data Interface (EDI) component for Brokers will continue to be available for a period of time.
DFAIT feels the change to EICS-II will result in a modernized and coordinated Import and Export control system which will allow to more effectively managing the permit relationships between Importers, Exporters, Brokers and DFAIT. In addition to including the same level of functionality currently provided by the two older systems, the EICS-II will offer a number of significant improvements to serve the ongoing needs of Canadian businesses and individuals.
To facilitate a smooth transition to the new system, the Trade Controls and Technical Barriers Bureau will be providing clients with adequate training, support and literature to facilitate EICS-II system adoption. Further information related to the development of the system and the project will be shared with clients over the coming months.
Meanwhile, for additional information on the EICS-II system and the project, please visit here.
This notice is for the attention of importers and custom brokers who are involved in the importation of steel and steel products. As you may know, through the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Pathfinder Solution, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC) has been able to implement a new import permit process for steel and [...]
This notice is for the attention of importers and custom brokers who are involved in the importation of steel and steel products.
As you may know, through the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Pathfinder Solution, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC) has been able to implement a new import permit process for steel and steel products that came into effect on April 1, 2012. The Pathfinder Solution provides Participating Government Agencies with relevant commercial trade data currently collected by the CBSA and is the forerunner to the Single Window Initiative. The quality of the B3 data provided by importers/brokers to the CBSA and shared through the Pathfinder Solution allowed FAITC to apply this data against permit requirements and thereby eliminate FAITC’s separate reporting requirements for steel and steel products.
Modernizing the steel import permit process has resulted in a significant reduction of paper permits as well as the elimination of the steel permit fee, resulting in savings to trade. The success and continuation of the Pathfinder Steel Import Reporting process is dependent upon the accurate reporting of B3 data.
The purpose of this notice is to remind importers and customs brokers of the importance of reporting accurate B3 data to the CBSA for the importation of steel and steel products. In particular, importers and custom brokers are requested to pay particular attention to the reporting of value, quantity, origin, and tariff classification.
Errors in data submission result in an inability to effectively monitor steel import volumes and pricing, thereby inhibiting the CBSA’s mandate to promote and protect Canadian business and international trade obligations. This data is also critically important to the FAITC Steel Monitoring program; poor data quality results in an inability for FAITC to effectively monitor the importation of steel and steel products as per its mandate under the Export and Import Permits Act.
In addition, inaccurate reporting of B3 data places importers and customs brokers at risk of increased scrutiny whether through examinations at the border, post border importer audits or possible penalties applicable under the Administrative Monetary Penalties System.
We strongly encourage importers and custom brokers to examine their current data entry practices and implement improved processes for ensuring the quality of the data that is being reported on the B3.
For additional information regarding the Steel Monitoring Program, please refer to the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website here.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency
A secret foreign policy document obtained by CBC News suggests that the Harper government should hasten its pace in forging trade deals with China and other emerging economies. “Our influence and credibility with some of these new and emerging powers is not as strong as it needs to be and could be,” the document reads. [...]
A secret foreign policy document obtained by CBC News suggests that the Harper government should hasten its pace in forging trade deals with China and other emerging economies.
“Our influence and credibility with some of these new and emerging powers is not as strong as it needs to be and could be,” the document reads.
“Canada’s trade and investment relations with new economies, leading with Asia, must deepen, and as a country we must become more relevant to our new partners,” it said.
The document also mentions Africa as place with a fast growing middle class. “The fact remains that, over time, African countries have the potential to challenge the likes of Brazil and China as major investment destinations,” it said.
Click here to read the complete article.
Source: CBC News
Update: Secret Conservative Foreign Policy Document Draws Fire
Export Development Canada (EDC)… announced that is has parlayed the success of its annual Canadians at Work: 50 International Infrastructure Projects publication into a new online resource for Canadian companies. “Connecting Canadian companies to global infrastructure projects, and to other Canadian companies already involved in them, is another opportunity to help create trade opportunities for [...]
Export Development Canada (EDC)… announced that is has parlayed the success of its annual Canadians at Work: 50 International Infrastructure Projects publication into a new online resource for Canadian companies.
“Connecting Canadian companies to global infrastructure projects, and to other Canadian companies already involved in them, is another opportunity to help create trade opportunities for Canada’s infrastructure sector,” said Francoise Faverjon-Fortin, Vice-President, Infrastructure and Environment, EDC. Continue reading »
Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC) announced the implementation of a new import system for steel and steel products. As a result of these changes Canadian manufacturers, producers, distributors and purchasers of imported steel and steel products are no longer be required to obtain individual permits. Instead, general import permits (GIP) [...]
Earlier this month, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (FAITC) announced the implementation of a new import system for steel and steel products.
As a result of these changes Canadian manufacturers, producers, distributors and purchasers of imported steel and steel products are no longer be required to obtain individual permits. Instead, general import permits (GIP) will be used for all steel imports covered by the Federal Import Control List.
The government estimates the new the new border measure will eliminate the need for some 270,000 permits annually and save Canadian steel companies $10 million a year.
“These new measures to streamline regulations and reduce the cost of import permits help improve the efficiency of North American supply chains and enhance manufacturing competitiveness in Canada,” said Ron Watkins, President of the Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA). “We have advocated for such measures through the North American Steel Trade Committee and we welcome this change.”
According to the CSPA, Canada’s $14-billion steel industry generates 25,000 jobs in Canada directly and supports a further 100,000 jobs indirectly. Exports account for over one half of shipments, with imports of steel and steel products totalling $8.5 billion in 2010. An estimated three quarters of all manufactured goods contain steel, the most widely used metal and the most recycled material on earth. In 2011, Canada’s steel industry recycled seven million tonnes of steel.
The Export Controls Division of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is organizing an Export Controls Seminar in Montréal March 6, 2012. This seminar will review the responsibilities of Canadian industry with regards to export controls of military, strategic, and sensitive commercial goods and technology. Details are available on the DFAIT website here.
The Export Controls Division of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is organizing an Export Controls Seminar in Montréal March 6, 2012.
This seminar will review the responsibilities of Canadian industry with regards to export controls of military, strategic, and sensitive commercial goods and technology.
Details are available on the DFAIT website here.
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) is accepting another round of applications for their Canadian government funding program called Going Global Innovation (GGI). Applicants who are accepted into the program will receive government funding towards specific project expenditures. These expenditures must be related to the creation of relationships with potential global partners and product [...]
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) is accepting another round of applications for their Canadian government funding program called Going Global Innovation (GGI). Applicants who are accepted into the program will receive government funding towards specific project expenditures. These expenditures must be related to the creation of relationships with potential global partners and product developers.
The GGI program is intended on providing innovative SMEs in the science and technology fields with an opportunity to attract foreign direct investment and global R&D partnerships. Applications require an 8-week review process so the funding will apply to projects occurring from March 2012 onwards.
Eligible expenses include travel and related costs such as: airfare; local transportation; accommodation; and meals. Other non-research expenses that will be covered by the program include: meeting costs (workshop or seminar expenses, hospitality), participation at targeted exhibitions and conferences; pursuit of large scale projects (such as EU Framework); development of legal documentation to solidify partnership; translation services; photocopies or printed material; and, pursuit of financial support.
Applicants must request a minimum of $5,000 from the GGI program in order for the proposal to be considered. The maximum payable to any organization for an approved project is $75,000.
Additional information can be obtained from the Going Global Innovation Handbook or by contacting:
Erika Mallett
Trade Commissioner – Going Global Administrator
innovation@international.gc.ca
Note: For more information on the Going Global Initiative or any other Canadian Government Funding Programs, please contact Mentor Works, The Government Funding Experts.
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a comprehensive free trade agreement under negotiation to liberalize trade in the Asia-Pacific region. Nine countries are currently participating in the negotiations: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States. At last November’s APEC summit in Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and Japan also announced their [...]
The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a comprehensive free trade agreement under negotiation to liberalize trade in the Asia-Pacific region. Nine countries are currently participating in the negotiations: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam and the United States. At last November’s APEC summit in Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and Japan also announced their intentions to begin consultations to join the TPP. Including the participation of all countries potentially involved in this new trade pact, the TPP would represent a market of more than 775 million people and a combined GDP of $25 trillion — a market significantly larger than the European Union (i.e., 493 million people with a GDP of $16 trillion).
With this in mind, at the beginning of the year, the Canadian Government embarked on a public consultation process to allow all interested stakeholders an early opportunity to provide comments, input and advice on possible free trade negotiations with TPP countries.
As outlined in Canada Gazette Vol. 145, No. 53, the government is presently asking Canadian stakeholders for advice and views on any priorities, objectives and concerns with respect to the following:
1. Opinions on areas of goods export interest (identified by Harmonized System [HS]/Tariff codes, if possible), including products that would benefit from the early removal of tariffs and other barriers by TPP countries.
2. Views on market access liberalization for TPP countries products (identified by HS/Tariff codes, if possible) into the Canadian market, including input on those products for which the elimination of tariffs should be expedited or phased-in over time.
3. Advice and views on trade in services, particularly the identification of sectors/activities of export interest for Canadian service providers, and opinions on domestic regulatory measures that restrict or otherwise affect market access for Canadian service providers.
4. Advice, views and experiences regarding the temporary entry of business persons from Canada into TPP countries and into Canada from TPP countries (e.g. impediments to entering or working in TPP countries on a temporary basis, including licensing or certification requirements at the border).
5. Advice, views and experiences regarding measures affecting exports destined for TPP countries, including non-tariff barriers (such as import licensing), technical barriers to trade (including technical regulations, standards and/or conformity assessment procedures) and sanitary and phytosanitary measures.
6. Views on general rules of origin and/or advice on appropriate rules of origin for specific products or sectors.
7. Advice on “trade facilitation” issues (e.g. significant impediments related to import procedures).
8. Advice, views and experiences with customs procedures and with commercial goods entering and/or leaving TPP countries.
9. Advice, views and experiences regarding investment barriers faced by Canadian investors in TPP countries, including restrictions imposed on foreign ownership or entry to market, questions of transparency of regulation, performance requirements (i.e. local content requirements, use of local labour and services), and any other impediments/barriers.
10. Advice and views on government procurement markets of interest to Canadian suppliers and exporters to TPP countries, including the government departments, agencies or enterprises of interest and the goods, services or construction services that Canadian suppliers are interested in selling to those government organizations. Note that participation in government procurement may include bidding as the prime contractor or exporting goods and/or services to the prime contractor who in turn bids on government contracts.
11. Advice, views and experiences regarding barriers (e.g. availability and transparency of information, domestic preferences) when selling or attempting to sell to governments of TPP countries.
12. Views and experiences with the protection of intellectual property rights.
13. Advice and views on competition policy matters, including development of possible cooperation mechanisms.
14. Views on capacity-building measures that could assist developing countries in achieving the objectives of the agreement.
15. Views on ways to reflect the interests and values of Canadians in the area of sustainable development, environmental protection and conservation.
16. Views on ways to reflect the interests and values of Canadians in the areas of workers’ rights, human rights, transparency in business and commercial practices and other social concerns, as they relate to TPP countries.
17. Views on other related issues not mentioned above.
All interested parties are invited to submit their views by February 14, 2012.
Submissions can be sent by email to consultations@international.gc.ca, by fax to 613-944-3489 or by mail to:
Trade Negotiations Consultations (TPP)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada,
Trade Policy and Negotiations Division II (TPW)
Lester B. Pearson Building,
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Note: Any information submitted will be considered as public information, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
In response to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s November 9 assessment of Iran’s nuclear program, Canada has imposed new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). The new regulations will do the following: prohibit financial transactions with Iran, subject to certain exceptions; expand the list of prohibited goods to include all goods used [...]
In response to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s November 9 assessment of Iran’s nuclear program, Canada has imposed new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures Act (SEMA). The new regulations will do the following:
- prohibit financial transactions with Iran, subject to certain exceptions;
- expand the list of prohibited goods to include all goods used in the petrochemical, oil and gas industry in Iran;
- amend the list of prohibited goods to include additional items that could be used in Iran’s nuclear program;
- add new individuals and entities to the list of designated persons found in Schedule 1 of the Iran Regulations; and
- remove certain entities that have been recommended for removal by the Minister of Foreign Affairs that no longer present a proliferation concern for Canada.
It should be noted that the new prohibitions on financial transactions and goods used in the petrochemical, oil and gas industry in Iran do not apply to contracts entered into prior to November 22, 2011.
Existing Canadian sanctions
In July 2010, Canada implemented sanctions against Iran under SEMA. These sanctions prohibit all of the following:
- dealing with designated individuals and entities, such as dealings in any property, or making any goods or financial or related services available to a designated individual or entity;
- exporting or otherwise providing to Iran arms and related materials not already banned, items that could contribute to Iran’s proliferation activities, and items used in refining oil and gas;
- providing technical data related to these goods;
- making any new investment in the Iranian oil and gas sector, or providing or acquiring financial services for this purpose;
- providing or acquiring financial services to allow an Iranian financial institution (or a branch, subsidiary or office) to be established in Canada, or vice versa;
- establishing correspondent banking relationships with Iranian financial institutions, or purchasing any debt from the Government of Iran; and
- providing services for the operation or maintenance of a vessel owned or controlled by, or operating on behalf of, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines.
In addition, the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Permit Authorization Order (SOR/2010-166), made pursuant to subsection 4(4) of the Special Economic Measures Act, authorizes the Minister of Foreign Affairs to issue a permit to any person in Canada or any Canadian outside Canada to carry out a specified activity or transaction, or any class of activity or transaction, that is restricted or prohibited pursuant to the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
(DFAIT) The Embassy of Canada in Japan is inviting businesses to take part in the program planned around BioJapan World Business Forum 2011 (BioJapan), which will be held October 3-7, 2011 in Yokohama, Japan. Participating companies will be able to profile their capabilities, seek new partners, develop new sales channels, and/or find new strategic investors [...]
(DFAIT)
The Embassy of Canada in Japan is inviting businesses to take part in the program planned around BioJapan World Business Forum 2011 (BioJapan), which will be held October 3-7, 2011 in Yokohama, Japan. Participating companies will be able to profile their capabilities, seek new partners, develop new sales channels, and/or find new strategic investors in Japan.
Last year’s event attracted 15,175 visitors and 425 exhibitors from 25 countries. Major Japanese pharmaceutical companies are also participating in BioJapan 2011.
Click here for more information.
(CBC News) Syria is only the latest country to run afoul of Canadian foreign policy Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird recently extended Canada’s economic sanctions against Syria. Canada also recently enacted new sanctions against North Korea. Syria and North Korea are among 18 countries currently facing economic restrictions. Here’s a current list of countries subject [...]
(CBC News) Syria is only the latest country to run afoul of Canadian foreign policy
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird recently extended Canada’s economic sanctions against Syria. Canada also recently enacted new sanctions against North Korea.
Syria and North Korea are among 18 countries currently facing economic restrictions.
Here’s a current list of countries subject to Canadian sanctions, with links to the rationale and details of the particular sanctions imposed, from the website of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada: • Belarus • Burma (also known as Myanmar) • Côte d’Ivoire • Democratic Republic of the Congo • Egypt • Eritrea • Iran • Iraq • Lebanon • Liberia • Libya • North Korea • Sierra Leone (currently being repealed) • Somalia • Sudan • Syria • Tunisia • Zimbabwe
In addition to these countries, Canada also participates in a sanctions regime in accordance with the United Nations Act to help stop terrorist organizations from operating internationally. Read more here.
(Minister of International Trade) The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today participated in a round table with members of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) in Toronto. At the session, Minister Fast underscored the Harper government’s commitment to boosting trade and investment with China to benefit Canadians. [...]
(Minister of International Trade)
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today participated in a round table with members of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) in Toronto. At the session, Minister Fast underscored the Harper government’s commitment to boosting trade and investment with China to benefit Canadians.
“Our government’s focus is to create jobs and increase prosperity for hardworking Canadians. One in five Canadian jobs is linked to trade,” said Minister Fast. “China is now the world’s second-largest economy after the United States. Therefore, it is important that we further strengthen our commercial trading relationship with this powerhouse market in order to create opportunities for Canadian workers, businesses and their families.”
Canada and China are currently negotiating a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) – a pact that will set the stage for a significant increase in two-way investment.
“Canadian companies doing business in China will benefit from rules that create a predictable investment environment and effective dispute settlement measures,” stated Minister Fast. “We look forward to concluding this FIPA with China in the near future.”
“Today’s round-table discussion between Minister Fast and CCBC members underscores the importance that both the Harper government and the Sino-Canadian business community place on strengthening trade relations between Canada and China,” said Sarah Kutulakos, Executive Director and CEO of the CCBC. “As the voice of the Canadian business community on issues affecting Sino-Canadian trade and investment, the council is pleased with the Minister’s efforts to ensure a long and prosperous relationship that will benefit all Canadians.”
China is Canada’s second-largest merchandise trading partner. Bilateral merchandise trade reached $57.7 billion in 2010, while overall trade between the two countries more than tripled between 2001 and 2010. The Government of Canada is active in China in support of Canadian companies, with 11 service points comprising five diplomatic missions and six trade offices.
“The standard of living and future prosperity of Canadian families depend on us deepening and broadening Canada’s trade relationships,” concluded Minister Fast. “China is a key aspect of our job-creating pro-trade plan, and I look forward to intensified engagement with China this fall.”
(DFAIT) The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service is organising CE-Certification workshops designed to provide medical device companies with an overview of the EU regulatory system. Certification is mandatory on many Europe-bound products and certifies that a product has met EU consumer safety, health and environmental requirements. These workshops will provide an opportunity for Canadian manufacturers of [...]
(DFAIT)
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service is organising CE-Certification workshops designed to provide medical device companies with an overview of the EU regulatory system.
Certification is mandatory on many Europe-bound products and certifies that a product has met EU consumer safety, health and environmental requirements.
These workshops will provide an opportunity for Canadian manufacturers of health products to learn how to seek regulatory approval for medical devices and prepare for exporting products to the EU market.
Monika de Villiers, Trade Commissioner from Germany, will attend the workshop and will answer questions regarding the European market.
Toronto – September 21
Vancouver – September 23
Calgary – September 26
Winnipeg – September 27
For more information, contact:
Anona Lukawiecki-Vydelingum
Trade Commissioner, Regional Office of the TCS in Toronto
Tel.: 416-973-5053, anona.lukawiecki-vydelingum@international.gc.ca
Wendy Trusler
Trade Commissioner, Regional Office of the TCS in Vancouver
Tel.: 604-666-0434 wendy.trusler@international.gc.ca
David Freeman
Trade Commissioner, Regional Office of the TCS in Edmonton
Tel.: 780-495-2944 david.freeman@international.gc.ca
Nicki Dewar
Trade Commissioner, Regional Office of the TCS in Winnipeg
Tel.: 204-983-7349 nicki.dewar@international.gc.ca
(Wall Street Journal) The Canadian government said Friday it was moving on exploratory talks to boost trade with the Mercosur group of South American countries, suggesting that it’s eyeing a trade pact with the bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Canada is pursuing bilateral and regional trade negotiations as it focuses on jobs and [...]
(Wall Street Journal)
The Canadian government said Friday it was moving on exploratory talks to boost trade with the Mercosur group of South American countries, suggesting that it’s eyeing a trade pact with the bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Canada is pursuing bilateral and regional trade negotiations as it focuses on jobs and growth in a country where trade accounts for some 60% of gross domestic product. The government is currently negotiating free trade agreements with the European Union and India.
In the text of a speech in Paraguay, Trade Minister Ed Fast who is on his first visit abroad since his appointment last month, said Mercosur is an “exciting market” and that discussions with the group “have the potential to open up countless avenues to expand and deepen trade with Canada, as well as to develop strategic partnerships.” [...]
“It is in our mutual interest and in the interest of Canadian workers and companies that we continue to develop strategic partnerships between Canada and these vitally important countries,” he said. Read more here.
(Barrie McKenna — The Globe & Mail) There’s been a lot of angst in Canada about companies shipping jobs and production offshore, particularly as the loonie has climbed to par and beyond in the past decade. But a new study by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade suggests that concern may be misplaced. [...]
(Barrie McKenna — The Globe & Mail)
There’s been a lot of angst in Canada about companies shipping jobs and production offshore, particularly as the loonie has climbed to par and beyond in the past decade.
But a new study by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade suggests that concern may be misplaced.
Relatively few Canadian companies are offshoring or outsourcing their activities, according to the study, part of the department’s annual Canada’s State of Trade 2010 report.
And almost as rare is the practice of repatriating activities to Canada from other countries.
“The trends appear to me much more circular than is commonly thought,” the report concludes. “A roughly similar number of activities appear to be moving into Canada as out.”
The conclusions are based on Statistics Canada’s Survey of Innovation and Business Strategy, which included responses from roughly 4,300 companies. Read more here.
(iPolitics.ca) An open letter to the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway: If we truly had global free trade and all countries enforced free competition within their respective borders, you would have the easiest job in Cabinet. Trade agreements would be a couple of pages long with signatories [...]
(iPolitics.ca)
An open letter to the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway:
If we truly had global free trade and all countries enforced free competition within their respective borders, you would have the easiest job in Cabinet. Trade agreements would be a couple of pages long with signatories committing themselves to full trade liberalization and the free movement of goods, services and people across borders.
But as you know, global free trade is far from that ideal. Progress in trade liberalization over the years has been truly impressive and Canada has benefitted greatly. But trade agreements also include hundreds of pages of exceptions, exemptions, and special cases that represent both the ambitions and the political compromises of those who precede you. Read more here.
(DFAIT) Bilateral trade between Canada and Mexico has increased by over 400% since NAFTA took effect in 1994, surpassing $27 billion in 2010. Through the years, Canadian firms secured a strong Mexican presence in various sectors such as banking, aerospace, communication technologies, mining, automotive and advanced manufacturing. However, Mexico has witnessed an increase in violence [...]
(DFAIT)
Bilateral trade between Canada and Mexico has increased by over 400% since NAFTA took effect in 1994, surpassing $27 billion in 2010. Through the years, Canadian firms secured a strong Mexican presence in various sectors such as banking, aerospace, communication technologies, mining, automotive and advanced manufacturing. However, Mexico has witnessed an increase in violence and insecurity in recent years.
Is this a game changer for trade and investment?
This webinar will look at the insecurity situation; its impacts; and will address how companies can best mitigate risks. Whether you already are active in Mexico or simply considering investment or export opportunities, this webinar will provide important information that will help you adapt your strategies and reduce your exposure to potential threats.
This webinar is organized in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy in Mexico and Multilaten Advisors, a security consulting company.
Learn More About This Webinar, and register here.
Date: Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EDT (Ottawa Time)
Cost: Free
Please register by June 1, 2011.
After the presentation, there will be a 10-minute Q&A period. The presentation will be in English but the speaker will take questions in both French and English. We invite you to provide your questions in advance to marie-pier.brunelle@international.gc.ca. Through the Virtual Trade Commissioner, a) the webinar will be made available for on-demand viewing following the live session; b) participants may also download the presentation slides, in both French and English.
For additional information, please email Marie-Pier.Brunelle@international.gc.ca.
Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade announced the successful conclusion of the second round of free trade negotiations with Ukraine.
(FAITC)
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced the successful conclusion of the second round of free trade negotiations with Ukraine.
“Our government remains focused on the economy,” said Minister Fast. “A free trade agreement with Ukraine will further expand trade opportunities, encourage economic growth and help create jobs.”
This round of talks began on May 16, 2011, and took place in Kyiv.
“We want to build on our already strong cultural relationship with the Ukrainian people by strengthening our economic ties,” said Minister Fast. “Canadian companies are steadily building a presence in Ukraine in areas such as aerospace and agriculture. We want to encourage more of these connections.”
A free trade agreement with Ukraine would further open markets for Canadian exports ranging from seafood products to machinery, vehicles, iron and steel products, and plastics.
Ukraine is one of the largest countries in Europe, and home to a highly educated population, a diversified industrial base and substantial natural resources. Some 1.2 million Canadians have Ukrainian roots, enriching Canada’s business, arts and academic communities.
The Harper government has already concluded new free trade agreements with eight countries and is in negotiations with close to 50 others, including the members of the European Union and India, which are among the world’s largest economies.
