Regional and Bilateral Initiatives
Canada - Singapore - Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
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Canada and Singapore announced on June 5th, 2000, that
the two countries would begin exploring the possibility of negotiating
a bilateral free trade agreement (See the News
Release of June, 2000.) Canadian and Singaporean officials met
twice to discuss the possible scope of a prospective agreement,
and the Government of Canada launched a comprehensive domestic consultations
process. Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and his Singaporean
counterpart, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, then announced the launch
of negotiations on October 21, 2001, on the margins of the APEC
Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shanghai, China (see the Canadian News
Release of October 2001).
The negotiations are taking place on a wide range of topics, including: trade in goods, trade in services, financial services, investment, government procurement, dispute settlement and competition policy. Labour and environmental issues are being addressed in parallel meetings in fulfilment of Canada's intention to pursue side agreements with Singapore in these areas. In addition, bilateral co-operation in promoting culture, small and medium enterprises, and science and technology are being discussed.
For more information, please see:
Update on Negotiations
After the initial round of negotiations in Singapore during the week of the 21st of January 2002, Canadian and Singaporean officials met for two additional productive rounds that year -- in Ottawa between February 25th and March 1st, and again in Singapore from April 29th to May 3rd.
Three rounds of negotiations were held in 2003 - in Ottawa the week of January 13th; in Singapore at the end of July/beginning of August; and, again in Ottawa from September 29th to October 3rd. Talks are ongoing.
Initial Environmental Assessment
In keeping with the Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an initial environmental assessment (EA) of the Canada-Singapore free trade negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.
The Government has conducted initial consultations with the provinces and territories, as well as with the Sectoral Advisory Groups on International Trade (SAGITs). We welcome comments on this report, as well as comments on anticipated economic, environmental and policy-making impacts on Canada as a result of the Canada-Singapore negotiations.
Contact point
If you have questions or comments about this initiative we would like to hear
from you. Please contact International Trade Canada at:
Regional Trade Policy Division (EAI)
International Trade Canada (ITCan)
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 promenade Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-0757
E-mail : consultations@international.gc.ca
Other interesting links
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