NEWS RELEASES

April 23, 2004 (11:00 a.m. EDT) No. 61

RELEASE OF ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL MARKET ACCESS REPORT

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson today released the government's annual report on Canada's market access priorities for 2004. Entitled Opening Doors to the World: Canada's International Market Access Priorities - 2004, the report highlights the successes of 2003 and sets out the objectives the government will continue to pursue over the coming year.

"Since an estimated one out of every four jobs in Canada is linked to exports, our social and economic prosperity relies on our success as a trading nation," said Minister Peterson. "As we build a strong 21st-century economy, we will continue to build on our successes and work to reduce and eliminate barriers to goods, services and investment in key foreign markets."

The report outlines significant market-opening results achieved by the government in 2003, in particular in Canada's largest export market, the United States. These results encompass the opening of new consulates in the U.S. last year under the Enhanced Representation Initiative and expanded bilateral cooperation on the Smart Border Action Plan.

"Canada will continue to work to ensure that the world's markets are open to Canadian businesses," added Minister Peterson. "We will accomplish this bilaterally, regionally and multilaterally, while advancing World Trade Organization objectives."

Today's report is available at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/tna-nac/cimap-en.asp.

Paper copies are also available from International Trade Canada by calling (613) 944-3316.

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A backgrounder is attached.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Jacqueline LaRocque
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Backgrounder

Trade Policy Objectives for 2004

• Successfully resolve the softwood lumber dispute with the United States

• Ensure a secure but business-friendly border with our top market, the United States

• Reopen the border to trade in live animals, based on science

• Open new consulates and appoint honorary consuls in the United States as part of the Enhanced Representation Initiative

• Achieve progress in World Trade Organization and Free Trade Area of the Americas negotiations

• Initiate negotiations with the European Union on a trade and investment enhancement agreement

• Conclude free trade agreement negotiations with El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Singapore

• Strengthen access to new and emerging markets, notably Brazil, China and India

• Continue efforts to open key markets in Asia, Central America and Europe

Main Market Access Achievements for Canada in 2003

• In May 2003, Canada and the United States announced expansions of the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) and NEXUS programs. FAST partners governments with the private sector to promote a secure supply chain for low-risk goods crossing the border. NEXUS facilitates the movement of pre-approved low-risk frequent travellers.

• In September 2003, Canada announced that it will open seven new consulates, upgrade two consulates and appoint 20 honorary consuls in the United States. This will strengthen Canada's capacity to advocate its interests in vital economic, political and security matters and to develop innovative strategic partnerships in emerging U.S. economic power centres.

• In October 2003, NAFTA trade ministers approved a series of steps to increase trade, including pursuing further liberalization of NAFTA rules of origin; expanding temporary-entry preferential treatment to additional professions; and determining ways to reduce transaction costs. They also further improved the transparency and efficiency of dispute settlement under Chapter 11.

• Two Canada-European Union agreements were finalized, one on trade in wines and spirits and one on cereals. A joint action plan on Canada-EU regulatory cooperation and dialogue was adopted at the May 2003 Canada-EU Summit.

• Canada, the United States and Mexico signed a non-binding trilateral arrangement regarding documentation requirements for exports of living modified organisms intended for direct use as food or feed or for processing under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

• Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transparency Standards on administrative transparency were adopted with a view to improving market access throughout the APEC region.

• The e-APEC Strategy was implemented through the organization of a wide range of workshops, seminars and training programs on issues related to bridging the digital divide.

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency and China's State Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine signed memorandums of understanding on cooperation in plant health and on cooperation in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies.

• Chinese authorities formally accepted lowering the minimum capital requirements for the expansion of life insurance companies.

• India removed the 4-percent Special Additional Duty on all products imported into India.

• On November 6, 2003, Canada tabled legislation that will allow lower-cost pharmaceutical products to be manufactured and exported in response to public health problems afflicting developing and least-developed countries.