NEWS RELEASES
MARKET ACCESS REPORT OUTLINES CANADA'S TRADE PRIORITIES
March 25, 1999 (2:00 p.m. EST) No. 63
MARKET ACCESS REPORT OUTLINES CANADA'S
TRADE PRIORITIES
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today released the government's annual report on Canada's priorities for improving access to foreign
markets. The report outlines 20 new agreements and initiatives negotiated by the Canadian government to assist Canadian exporters. The
Minister released the report during his keynote address at the Canadian Association for Business Economics 1999 Policy Conference in Ottawa.
"It has been a great year for Canadian business, which exported a record $367 billion in goods and services in 1998," said Minister Marchi. "This
market access report shows just how hard the federal government is working to open doors to the global market for Canadian companies. This
report is also an important tool for measuring Canada's performance in the global economy."
Opening Doors to the World: Canada's International Market Access Priorities -- 1999 describes how the federal government is seeking improved
access for goods, services and investments in key markets, including the United States. Improving market access is a key element of Canada's
strategy for assisting Canadian exporters and investors in foreign markets.
"Canadians can compete and win against the world's best if they are able to operate on equal terms of access," said Minister Marchi. "In this
report, we identify the areas where work remains to be done to provide Canadian exporters and investors with equal access, and we outline what
the government intends to do about it in 1999."
The report notes major trade policy agreements reached in 1998 that provide Canadian companies with new opportunities in world markets.
These accords include a government procurement agreement with Korea, a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on conformity assessment
and an agreement on veterinary equivalency with the European Union, as well as the implementation of a second round of accelerated North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) tariff reductions.
The report is available on two Web sites: <http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca> and <http://www.exportsource.gc.ca>. It also may be obtained by
contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at 1-800-267-8376 (toll-free) or (613) 944-4000 (in the Ottawa area).
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A backgrounder containing highlights from the report is attached.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Leslie Swartman
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
Backgrounder
OPENING DOORS TO THE WORLD:
CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL MARKET ACCESS PRIORITIES -- 1999
With exports of goods and services accounting for 39 percent of Canada's gross domestic product in 1998, maintaining and improving access to
foreign markets for Canadian exporters and investors is a top priority for the government.
Around the globe, tariffs and other obstacles to commerce are coming down. Canada continues to play a leadership role in moving toward a
world in which trade moves freely -- in a way that promotes Canadian values. However, much remains to be done.
Opening Doors to the World: Canada's International Market Access Priorities -- 1999 presents the government's priorities for further improving
access to key markets for Canadian exporters and investors. It outlines the range of initiatives that the government will pursue this year at the
multilateral, regional and bilateral levels, as well as details on specific obstacles to be tackled in several markets.
The document also highlights significant market-opening results from 1998 that will bring benefits to Canadian exporters and investors.
Market Access Results in 1998
Canada agreed with other members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to an Agreement to Eliminate Duties on Specified Pharmaceutical
Products extending duty-free trade to 639 additional products, including inputs.
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) members agreed to send the results of their work on sectoral trade liberalization to the WTO.
Canada will seek to expand participation in the WTO for this initiative.
The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Agreement on Basic Telecommunications (ABT) came into effect on February 5, 1998.
By November 1998, specific commitments regarding market access, national treatment, and the application of pro-competitive regulatory
principles were undertaken by all 89 participants in the ABT.
Canada and the United States agreed to a wide range of measures to address long-standing issues in agricultural trade.
Canada and the United States agreed to the implementation of a nationwide in-transit preclearance program in Canada, which builds on the
success of Open Skies.
Michigan delayed full application of its single business tax to Canadian companies.
A second round of accelerated NAFTA tariff reductions was implemented, affecting some $25 million in Canada-Mexico bilateral trade.
Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) negotiations were officially launched.
Canada and Mercosur signed a Trade and Investment Co-operation Arrangement, which lays the foundation for enhanced bilateral trade and
investment.
Canada and the European Union (EU) signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement on conformity assessment for regulated products to reduce
costs and facilitate market access in Europe for Canadian producers of telecommunications terminal equipment, information technology (IT)
equipment, electrical equipment, medical devices, pharmaceutical products, and recreational boats.
Canada and the EU signed a new agreement on veterinary equivalency to facilitate trade in animals, fish and animal/fish products.
Canada and the EU signed an amendment to the Canada-EU Agreement on
Co-operation in Science and Technology, and extended coverage of the Agreement to all sectors, including biotechnology.
The EU modified its grain import regime, reducing the duty on lower grades of Canadian durum wheat.
The Japan Agricultural Standards Policy Committee made several recommendations that should benefit Canadian exporters, such as calling
for privatization of grading and inspection services, and urging further consideration of international harmonization of standards.
Japan accepted Canadian National Lumber Grading Association standards for finger-jointed and machine stress-rated lumber.
Korea removed restrictive labelling requirements for ozonated bottled water.
Korea and Canada reached a bilateral government procurement agreement, putting Canadian telecommunications exporters on par with U.S.
and European competitors.
India announced intentions to phase out import restrictions on a wide range of products.
Indonesia reduced import tariffs on a large number of chemical, food and agricultural products.
The WTO Dispute Settlement Body confirmed that Australia's ban on imports of Canadian salmon violates Australia's WTO obligations.
March 1999
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