Minister Fast Announces Trade and Investment Framework that will Deepen Canada’s Ties with Southeast Asia

(October 2, 2011 –10:55 a.m. ET) The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today took an important step forward in deepening
Canada’s economic ties with Southeast Asia by adopting a joint declaration of
cooperation with ASEAN, the Association of South East Asian Nations, during an official visit to Indonesia.
“Our government is committed to opening new markets for Canadian
businesses in Southeast Asia, which we know will sustain and create jobs and
prosperity for hard-working citizens both in ASEAN countries and in Canada,”
said Minister Fast. “This joint declaration is our first trade and investment
framework with ASEAN and is another example of our government’s job-creating,
pro-trade plan.”
The joint declaration calls for further cooperation among governments
and businesses and represents a commitment by Canada and the ASEAN countries to
explore other ways to deepen economic ties.
Southeast Asia is a region of significant and growing economic
importance to Canada and is a priority market under the Harper
government’s Global Commerce Strategy. It has approximately 600 million
consumers, a growing middle class and abundant natural resources.
In 2010, annual two-way merchandise trade between Canada and ASEAN
reached $13.8 billion. As a group, it ranks as Canada’s seventh-largest
merchandise trade partner.
“The economic opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers in this
key market are great,” said Minister Fast.
“In these uncertain global economic times, long-term economic growth
and good jobs are best protected and created by broadening and deepening our
trading relationships and removing trade barriers.
“We understand that trade has a direct impact on people’s lives—on
their jobs and on their families’ financial security.
“That is why Canada is committed to securing more trade and investment
frameworks like this with our friends around the world,” the Minister
added.
In less than six years, the Harper government has concluded new free
trade agreements with nine countries: Colombia, Honduras, Jordan, Panama, Peru
and the four members of the European Free Trade
Association.
Next year, Canada celebrates 35 years as a formal Dialogue Partner
with ASEAN, which was founded in 1967.
http://www.international.gc.ca/media_commerce/comm/news-communiques/2011/281.aspx?view=d