Canada-EU Trade Agreement Will Be a Big Win for British Columbia, says Minister Fast

• Get updates on trade, Customs and regulatory changes
• Stay informed on trade compliance seminars,
  workshops and industry events

x

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Apr 09, 2013

The Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Ed Fast, discussed the many benefits an ambitious Canada-EU trade agreement will bring to B.C. workers and businesses during a round-table session in Vancouver with stakeholders from a wide range of B.C.’s key economic sectors.

“Our government is focused on the priorities of workers, businesses and exporters in B.C.: jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Fast. “That is why we are working hard to open new markets in large and dynamic economies—like the European Union—as part of the most-ambitious trade expansion plan in Canadian history.”

The European Union is B.C.’s fourth-largest export market and fourth-largest trading partner. A comprehensive agreement would eliminate tariffs, including those on key provincial exports such as forest products, metals and minerals, fish and seafood, agriculture and agri-food products, and services.

“The foundation of our government’s pro-trade plan to open new markets that increase Canadian exports will be solidified by a successful outcome to the Canada-EU trade negotiations,” said Minister Fast. “In turn, this will lead to new opportunities and greater access for B.C. exporters to markets throughout the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region, including Japan, China and countries that make up the Trans Pacific Partnership.”

The EU is Canada’s second-largest trading partner and, with more than 500 million consumers and a GDP of $17 trillion, the world’s largest integrated economy.