Canada is beginning to experience gaps between what global commerce requires for success and what the country’s workforce can supply, according to the study International Trade Workforce Strategy – Report of the FITT Human Resources International Trade Sector Study spearheaded by FITT. One gap is a shortfall of the number of people in many occupations [...]
Canada is beginning to experience gaps between what global commerce requires for success and what the country’s workforce can supply, according to the study International Trade Workforce Strategy – Report of the FITT Human Resources International Trade Sector Study spearheaded by FITT. One gap is a shortfall of the number of people in many occupations that are core to international trade. The other is a gap between the demand for, and availability of, new competencies that are critical to successful global trade.
The report, supported by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and created in collaboration with Mercer, a global leader in HR consulting, also recommends specific actions for Canadian business leaders, the educational community, and government policymakers to take to close these gaps.
Click here to read about the concrete actions that businesses, government organizations and educational institutions can take to fill Canada’s workforce gaps and ensure the country remains trade ready.
There is no strong link between the clustering of Canada’s manufacturing industries and their economic performance on a sector-wide basis, according to a report released today by the C.D. Howe Institute. In “Strength in Numbers? The Weak Effect of Manufacturing Clusters on Canadian Productivity,” author Kristian Behrens finds instead that increases in trade, whether imports [...]
There is no strong link between the clustering of Canada’s manufacturing industries and their economic performance on a sector-wide basis, according to a report released today by the C.D. Howe Institute. In “Strength in Numbers? The Weak Effect of Manufacturing Clusters on Canadian Productivity,” author Kristian Behrens finds instead that increases in trade, whether imports or exports, have a stronger effect on industry productivity and should be the focus of policymakers.
“In the wake of the recent financial crisis, clusters – the spatial concentration of interrelated industries, specialized services, and customers – have again captured the attention of economists, policymakers, and consultants,” says Behrens. “Clusters are viewed by many as vital to the national economy, and a possible fix to stagnating productivity and incomes. Economic research has shown, however, that most clusters do not live up to these expectations. There is little solid evidence that clusters make regions – let alone nations – prosperous,” he says. Continue reading »
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
Two years ago, Calibur11 in Duluth, Minn., did what any other cash-strapped manufacturer looking to prune costs would do: Turned to China. Now, the maker of game console cases is shifting its manufacturing operations back to the United States, discovering that doing business overseas was more trouble than it was worth: One supplier lost the [...]
Two years ago, Calibur11 in Duluth, Minn., did what any other cash-strapped manufacturer looking to prune costs would do: Turned to China.
Now, the maker of game console cases is shifting its manufacturing operations back to the United States, discovering that doing business overseas was more trouble than it was worth: One supplier lost the molds for the its decorative shells while another demanded a bribe — all on top of quality problems.
“We just kind of got kicked right in the teeth dealing with China. It wasn’t any fun by any means. But it helped us learn to bring stuff back to the United States,” said Calibur11 owner Coy Christmas.
The hassle of operating abroad has triggered some companies to move production stateside, a move called “reshoring.” Coming home not only bolsters the speed, quality and simplicity of doing business, it’s also more economical than it used to be. Average wages in China have jumped 10 to 25 percent a year, hitting $4 to $6 an hour in some plants. Add in shipping and high fuel costs, and offshore manufacturing is no longer a bargain.
The return of production to America has been somewhat of a surprise. The government doesn’t track corporate reshoring efforts, but experts say they are hearing of more companies bringing work home.
Click here to read the complete article.
Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune
Virtual Summit: September 27, 2012 Expanding your business into new markets can be daunting; however the benefits can open your business to a world of opportunities. But how do you know which markets are right for you? Join global business specialists and a panel of experts for a full day of presentations on trade solutions that [...]
Virtual Summit: September 27, 2012
Expanding your business into new markets can be daunting; however the benefits can open your business to a world of opportunities. But how do you know which markets are right for you?
Join global business specialists and a panel of experts for a full day of presentations on trade solutions that will help you grow your business. On September 27, 2012, Export Development Canada (EDC) will present Get in Top Shape for Trade 2012, an inventive virtual conference and exhibition intended to provide you with information, tips and resources that will help you succeed more efficiently in international trade.
Highlights:
• Find the right markets and learn how and where to diversify
• Discover how to achieve operational excellence by leveraging cash flow management, avoiding financial fraud, and more.
Who Should Attend:
• Canadian exporters considering doing business in markets such as China and India.
• Canadian companies interested in the infrastructure, cleantech and healthcare sectors.
More information on event speakers and partners here.
Click here to register for this free event.
Reynold Martens, Executive VP of GHY International, touches on the impacts of globalization, the growing role of strategy across functional areas, and linkages between business units — three key factors driving the need for a greater awareness of international trade compliance within organizations today. “It was a lot easier when markets were homogeneous, when companies [...]
Reynold Martens, Executive VP of GHY International, touches on the impacts of globalization, the growing role of strategy across functional areas, and linkages between business units — three key factors driving the need for a greater awareness of international trade compliance within organizations today.
“It was a lot easier when markets were homogeneous, when companies were selling to either domestic customers or buying from domestic suppliers in Canada or North America, but that of course is now becoming much more expanded into Asia, Europe, South America, and even Africa. The consequences and complexities that go with the failure to get it right are much more material in terms of dollars.”
“It’s not just about managing costs, but managing risks and in today’s just-in-time environment there is a whole lot to lose if something goes astray and doesn’t end up where it’s supposed to be at the right time”
Richard (Rick) Riess, President of GHY International shares his insight on the Macro perspective on the Economy and its relation to International Trade. For more videos subscribe to our Vimeo or YouTube channels.
Largest U.S. free trade deal since NAFTA expected to be approved this month On Monday, President Barack Obama sent Congress legislation for free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, ending a prolonged wait for business supporters that spanned more than four years and two presidencies. Of the three agreements, the United States-Korea Free Trade [...]
Largest U.S. free trade deal since NAFTA expected to be approved this month
On Monday, President Barack Obama sent Congress legislation for free-trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, ending a prolonged wait for business supporters that spanned more than four years and two presidencies.
Of the three agreements, the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) is by far the most commercially significant, with a projected boost for U.S. exports of as much as $11 billion in the first year in which it’s in full effect, according to the U.S. International Trade Commission.
South Korea has an economy at close to $1 trillion, and already is the United States’ seventh largest goods trading partner. Administration officials estimate that America’s economic output will grow more from the South Korea deal than from the United States’ last nine trade agreements combined.
The U.S. International Trade Commission estimates that the reduction of Korean tariffs and tariff-rate quotas on goods alone would add $10 billion to $12 billion to annual U.S. GDP and around $10 billion to annual merchandise exports to Korea.
Under the FTA, nearly 95 percent of bilateral trade in consumer and industrial products would become duty free within three years of the date the FTA enters into force, and most remaining tariffs would be eliminated within 10 years.
For agricultural products, the FTA would immediately eliminate or phase out tariffs and quotas on a broad range of products, with almost two-thirds (by value) of Korea’s agriculture imports from the United States becoming duty free upon entry into force.
The KORUS FTA would also provide U.S. suppliers with greater access to the Korean government procurement market.
The bills for the free trade accords are covered by so-called fast-track rules requiring Congress to vote within 90 legislative days, limiting debate and amendments before an up-or-down vote. Leaders of both the House and Senate have indicated that they will be given “top priority” and acted on by the end of the month.
(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.
The International Trade Commission released Aug. 15 Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2010, its annual compendium of data and analysis examining changes in merchandise trade with key U.S. partners and in crucial U.S. industries. An ITC press release states that this report provides a comprehensive review of U.S. trade performance in 2010, focusing on changes [...]
The International Trade Commission released Aug. 15 Shifts in U.S. Merchandise Trade 2010, its annual compendium of data and analysis examining changes in merchandise trade with key U.S. partners and in crucial U.S. industries. An ITC press release states that this report provides a comprehensive review of U.S. trade performance in 2010, focusing on changes in exports, imports and trade balances of key natural resources, agricultural and manufacturing industries as well as changes in U.S. trade with major partners and groups. Also included are profiles of the U.S. industry and market for over 250 industry groups and subgroups, featuring data for the years 2006 through 2010 on consumption, production, employment and trade.
The report’s findings include the following:
Overall Performance
From 2009 to 2010, the value of U.S. merchandise exports increased by 20% to $1.12 trillion and U.S. imports for consumption increased by 23% to $1.90 trillion. The associated trade deficit increased as well, rising by $164.1 billion (27%) to $776.5 billion. All U.S. industries and sectors except agricultural and forest products registered a trade deficit. The most significant deficits occurred in energy-related products, electronic products and transportation equipment.
Export Growth
U.S. exports increased in all merchandise sectors. The greatest absolute increase ($31.1. billion, or 19%) occurred in the chemicals and related products sector, 25% of which was driven by gains in certain organic chemicals and miscellaneous plastic products. Exports grew due to greater foreign demand for these products as a result of government policies in key foreign markets encouraging the adoption of renewable fuels and increased joint venture projects in key Asian economies. Transportation equipment exports grew by $28.3 billion (15%) and much of this growth was influenced by increased sales of motor vehicles. The third-largest reported absolute increase ($25.6 billion) and the greatest percentage shift (43%) occurred in the energy-related products sector, where price increases and refinery shutdowns in Brazil and Mexico contributed to increases in both the value and the quantity of U.S. exports of natural gas, petroleum, and coal, coke and other energy-related products.
An important factor contributing to the growth in U.S. merchandise exports was increased foreign demand due to rising incomes in many U.S. major trading partners. Real income growth for many of the United States’ major export partners, including Canada, the European Union, Mexico and Japan, was positive in 2010, ranging from 1.8% in the EU to 5.2% in Mexico, compared to negative real GDP growth rates in 2009. GDP growth was even higher in developing countries in Asia (9.3% on average) and Brazil (7.5%). Reflecting these increases in real GDP and foreign demand, Taiwan, Brazil, Korea and China accounted for the largest percentage growth rates for U.S. exports, by country.
Import Growth
The largest absolute increases in imports (by value) occurred in energy-related products ($77.3 billion), transportation equipment ($67.1 billion) and electronic products ($66.2 billion). Canada remained the leading source of U.S. imports of energy-related products, representing 28% of the total U.S. trade deficit in these products. Greater domestic consumption of motor vehicles accounted for 57% of the import growth in transportation equipment, and Canada, Japan and Mexico remained the largest suppliers to the U.S. market (a combined 64%). Within the electronic products sector, imports of three product groupings increased significantly, collectively growing by $45.2 billion: computers, peripherals and parts (up 25%); telecommunications equipment (up 23%); and semiconductors and integrated circuits (up 38%). Increased U.S. imports of these goods reflect the growing importance of Chinese production and assembly, as most electronic products are made or assembled in China through either contract manufacturing or indigenous companies.
Bilateral Trade
There was an increase in the trade deficits between the U.S. and its five leading trading partners in 2010, including the European Union (up $21.8 billion), Canada (up $16.7 billion), China (up $47.9 billion), Mexico (up $26.6 billion) and Japan (up $15.3 billion). Together, these economies accounted for 78% of the total U.S. trade deficit, maintaining their relative positions from 2009 to 2010.
China remained the United States’ single largest source of imports by value, and the $278.3 billion deficit with China was the largest with any U.S. trading partner. The EU is the United States’ largest two-way trading partner, accounting for almost 20% of total U.S. merchandise trade in 2010, while Canada remained the largest single-country trading partner. The trade deficit with the EU was principally driven by increased U.S. imports of transportation equipment (motor vehicles) and chemicals and related products (petroleum products), though imports increased across virtually all sectors. The trade deficit with Canada was likewise heavily influenced by increased imports of energy-related products and transportation equipment. Price increases for petroleum products and favorable credit conditions associated with the improving U.S. economy were the likely causes for increased imports in these sectors.
(Journal of Commerce Online – Bill Mongelluzzo) Bersin tells COAC meeting goal is to blend security, trade facilitation Members of the trade community say the Customs and Border Protection still has a long way to go in its efforts to blend trade facilitation and supply chain security to ensure a seamless flow of legitimate goods. [...]
(Journal of Commerce Online – Bill Mongelluzzo) Bersin tells COAC meeting goal is to blend security, trade facilitation
Members of the trade community say the Customs and Border Protection still has a long way to go in its efforts to blend trade facilitation and supply chain security to ensure a seamless flow of legitimate goods.
“If feeling good is an objective, we’re making progress,” said Jeffrey Whalen, assistant general counsel for customs and international trade at shoe manufacturer Nike.
CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin sought to address that skepticism at a meeting in Long Beach, Calif., Thursday of the Advisory Committee on Commercial Operations, telling the group, “Trade facilitation and security are one and the same.” Bersin said the agency is engaging the trade community through initiatives and pilot programs such as account management, the Center of Excellence and Expertise and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism with that central idea in mind. Read more here.
(Washington Post – Felicia Sonmez and Zachary A. Goldfarb) Three long-delayed trade deals with South Korea, Panama and Colombia are moving closer to a vote after the Senate’s leaders announced that they had reached an agreement to bring the pacts up for consideration when Congress returns from recess in September. Senate Majority Leader Harry M. [...]
(Washington Post – Felicia Sonmez and Zachary A. Goldfarb)
Three long-delayed trade deals with South Korea, Panama and Colombia are moving closer to a vote after the Senate’s leaders announced that they had reached an agreement to bring the pacts up for consideration when Congress returns from recess in September.
Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) also agreed to hold a vote on a program favored by Democrats, called Trade Adjustment Assistance, which provides aid and retraining to workers who have lost their jobs because work was sent overseas.
The White House and its Democratic allies had demanded that Congress renew the trade assistance program in order to move forward on the trade deals. Congressional approval is by no means guaranteed, but passage of the deals would fulfill a plank of President Obama’s economic policy. Obama, who expressed skepticism as a candidate about free trade, has hailed the agreements as crucial to increasing U.S. sales overseas. Obama has called for a doubling of U.S. exports by 2015. “These agreements will support tens of thousands of jobs here at home,” U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk said after news of the Senate agreement. Read more here.
(The Council of the Federation) Premiers released a strategy entitled Canada in the Global Economy. They also announced that, within 12 months, Premiers will pursue a joint Council of the Federation mission to Asia with the federal government to advance an ambitious international trade agenda for Canada. As committed international actors with increasingly sophisticated global [...]
(The Council of the Federation)
Premiers released a strategy entitled Canada in the Global Economy. They also announced that, within 12 months, Premiers will pursue a joint Council of the Federation mission to Asia with the federal government to advance an ambitious international trade agenda for Canada.
As committed international actors with increasingly sophisticated global connections and capabilities, provinces and territories are an integral part of any international strategy for Canada, particularly given their responsibility for many of the matters addressed in modern trade agreements. The four-point strategy released today by Premiers outlines specific actions to harness the common and individual strengths of provinces and territories and help position Canada strongly in the global economy:
1. Ensure a robust and forward-thinking Canadian trade and investment agenda is in place with appropriate attention to markets including the United States, the European Union (EU), Asia, as well as other emerging markets.
2. Maintain and expand Canada’s physical infrastructure and gateway policy to accommodate and encourage the flow of people, services and goods.
3. Facilitate the movement of people – including tourists, immigrants, international students, and business people – and capitalize on the opportunities available to Canada through globally connected Canadians and the linkages they can create between Canada and the world.
4. Build and deepen productive relationships with Canada’s trading partners by becoming better educated about international cultures, economies and global connections – and better educate the international community about Canada.
Continue reading »
(World Trade Organization) WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy, in launching the World Trade Report 2011 on 20 July 2011, warned that preferential trade agreements (PTAs) “may lock in their members to a particular regulatory regime reducing the potential for trade to prosper with countries outside the arrangement”. “The new challenge posed by deep PTAs to the [...]
(World Trade Organization)
WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy, in launching the World Trade Report 2011 on 20 July 2011, warned that preferential trade agreements (PTAs) “may lock in their members to a particular regulatory regime reducing the potential for trade to prosper with countries outside the arrangement”.
“The new challenge posed by deep PTAs to the multilateral trading system is one of market segmentation because regulatory systems, which can become divergent, have now more importance on trade flows than tariffs,” he added.
(The Toronto Star) The Conference Board of Canada says businesses need to redouble their efforts to innovate and diversify their sales if they are to remain globally competitive amid the economic turmoil in the United States. The board says the economic outlook for Canada is generally positive, but the U.S. may be in the midst [...]
(The Toronto Star)
The Conference Board of Canada says businesses need to redouble their efforts to innovate and diversify their sales if they are to remain globally competitive amid the economic turmoil in the United States.
The board says the economic outlook for Canada is generally positive, but the U.S. may be in the midst of a lost decade. There is no pain-free way for the U.S. government to deal with its deficit estimated at more than $1.3 trillion a year, the board says.
However the Canadian economy appears on track and short-term interest rates are expected to rise, which will put upward pressure on the loonie and hurt companies that depend on U.S. markets.
Roughly 70% of Canadian exports go to the United States. The automotive and forestry sectors in Ontario and British Columbia are also expected to remain sluggish as mediocre U.S. growth will weigh them down.
(Forum for International Trade Training) New research confirms critical importance of human resources, international trade expertise and training to Canada’s future competitiveness Canada’s greatest international trade challenges depend upon the development and delivery of effective and innovative human resource solutions to ensure our future international competitiveness – part of the findings from a new report [...]
(Forum for International Trade Training)
New research confirms critical importance of human resources, international trade expertise and training to Canada’s future competitiveness
Canada’s greatest international trade challenges depend upon the development and delivery of effective and innovative human resource solutions to ensure our future international competitiveness – part of the findings from a new report released by FITT (Forum for International Trade Training). Globalization has complicated the way in which international business is understood and the concept of “Integrative Trade” has emerged to describe a much more complex global system. International trade now sees goods, services and services related to goods traded across borders many times along global value chains, all powered by large amounts of foreign direct investment. The report coupled secondary research with industry engagement to uncover and describe the realities Canadian businesses face in international trade and the resulting human resource challenges that are emerging and shaping the sector’s future.
“The research confirms that Canada’s historically strong international trade position is deteriorating and our economic success in the future will largely be determined by the strength of the human resources that drive international trade,” said Caroline Tompkins, President of FITT. “There is a clear urgency – both in terms of opportunity and competition – for Canadians to engage more proactively, more effectively and much more broadly in international business, trade and investment, and to do so we need a talented labour force with effective international business skills in practically all industries,” added Tompkins.
The research highlighted a few important areas where skills and competencies are needed:
Without the protection of a low-value currency, sharpened business development competencies are required to identify new opportunities and participate in global value chains;
Problems related to regulatory compliance today poses one of the greatest obstacles to international trade and firms urgently require skills to manage these new barriers;
Extending services sector growth in international markets will be integral to sustaining Canada’s economic growth, and therefore a growing need for international trade skills is emerging in this sector;
Canadian firms require skills to support innovation and gains in productivity as they cannot compete in an environment of a high Canadian Dollar if productivity levels remain at 75% of that of US firms.
Among the specific findings in the report are nine key drivers in international trade and the human resource implications associated with them. For example, there is a lack of awareness and appreciation for the importance of global trade for Canada’s prosperity and only a fraction of Canadian businesses are directly engaged in international trade. Neglect of the awareness of the importance of international trade puts Canadian competitiveness and economic prosperity at risk, yet the return on investment to increased trade is high. “Every additional $1-billion in exports creates on average 11,000 new jobs. In addition, jobs at international businesses pay higher-than-average wages contributing directly to increased prosperity,” said Tompkins. The research findings also demonstrate that a highly skilled international business labour force lowers costs to companies as they make fewer mistakes and will act on global opportunities more quickly.
The Executive Summary is now available on the FITT website. The full report will be made available shortly.
As supply chain’s become global in nature, Governments are cautioned about the impact of legislation on the economy.
(Journal of Commerce Online – Joseph Bonney)
Call follows report of growing trade protectionism since October
The International Chamber of Commerce is urging G20 leaders to push for conclusion of the Doha Round of trade talks and says a new report shows major nations are violating pledges to restrict protectionism.
A report last week by the World Trade Organization, Organization on Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations Committee on Trade and Development listed 30 new export restrictions by G20 members between October and April. The total was a record for any previously reported six-month period.
The export restrictions came despite the G20 leaders’ reaffirmation at their 2010 Seoul summit of a pledge to resist protectionism until the end of 2013. 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.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual International Trade Day on June 2nd, 2011 where two very important international trade initiatives will be discussed: the Canada-U.S. Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama to facilitate and secure the legitimate flow of people [...]
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual International Trade Day on June 2nd, 2011 where two very important international trade initiatives will be discussed: the Canada-U.S. Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama to facilitate and secure the legitimate flow of people and goods across the shared border and the negotiation of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU – the most ambitious negotiations undertaken by Canada.
These initiatives receive widespread support, but also generate some questions. Come hear the answers for yourself, from distinguished government, business and opinion leaders who are at the forefront of Canada’s international trade and investment initiatives.
The keynote address, entitled Strengthening our Ties: Building a More Successful Canada-U.S. Partnership, is open to press. The event will feature a conversation between Gary Doer, Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America and David Jacobson, Ambassador of the United States of America to Canada. They will discuss the steps that must be taken to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations, including cooperating on building a more efficient border. Perrin Beatty, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce will act as moderator.
Strengthening our Ties: Building a More Successful Canada-U.S. Partnership. A discussion between Gary Doer, Ambassador of Canada to the United States of America and David Jacobson, Ambassador of the United States of America to Canada moderated by Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Thursday, June 2, 2011
11:45 am
Le Café, National Arts Centre
Ottawa, Ontario
For more information about the International Trade Day agenda visit The Canadian Chamber of Commerce for details.
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.
