MENAFN | 13 March 2021

Canada UK begins trade negotiations

By Caribbean News Global

OTTAWA, Canada – Mary Ng, minister of small business, export promotion and international trade, announced Friday, March 12, the launch of public consultations on new trade negotiations with the United Kingdom to benefit businesses and workers in both countries.

’The government of Canada is committed to advancing an inclusive trade agenda that encourages trade and investment in key markets and strengthens the rules-based trading system,’ Global Affairs Canada said in a statement. ’International trade will play a key role in Canada’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by creating opportunities for businesses to grow at home and around the world, creating jobs, and strengthening the middle class.’

’A new, modern, and ambitious bilateral trade agreement with the United Kingdom would improve market access for Canadian businesses and workers while strengthening Canada’s inclusive trade agenda. The United Kingdom’s potential accession to the CPTPP also provides an opportunity to deepen and diversify Canada’s participation in global supply chains and expand high-standard trade rules across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond,’ said minister Ng.

Canadians across the country and abroad are encouraged to participate in the public consultations process until April 27, 2021.

’These consultations will provide an opportunity for Canadians and interested stakeholders to share their views and help define Canada’s priorities in future trade negotiations with the United Kingdom, in the context of both a new, bilateral free trade agreement and the United Kingdom’s potentially joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP),’ the statement said.