NEWS RELEASES
FREE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS LAUNCHED WITH FOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNTRIES
November 21, 2001 (1:00 p.m. EST) No. 154
FREE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS LAUNCHED WITH
FOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNTRIES
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today announced the launch of free trade negotiations with El
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, aimed at further enhancing Canada's trade relationship with
Central America.
"This free trade agreement will improve our trade and political ties with these emerging markets," said Mr.
Pettigrew. "An agreement would also give Canadian exporters more advantageous access compared with
competing suppliers in the United States and Europe."
In 2000, bilateral trade between Canada and these four Central American countries totalled $617 million.
Canadian direct investment in these markets is estimated at over $158 million.
There is significant potential for Canadian companies in several priority export sectors, including
telecommunications and environmental equipment and services, processed foods, automotive parts and
construction.
Canada will preserve its ability to maintain or establish measures in sectors such as health, public education
and social services. The free trade agreement will be accompanied by parallel environmental and labour
cooperation agreements. An environmental assessment will be conducted to assist trade negotiators in
identifying and evaluating any environmental impacts.
From a broader perspective, a free trade agreement with the region would signal Canada's continuing
commitment to the hemisphere and would inject further momentum into Free Trade Area of the Americas and
WTO negotiations by serving as a model for cooperation between developed and developing countries.
The first negotiating session will be held in Central America in December and follows several preparatory
rounds.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sébastien Théberge
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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