It's Your Turn
Notice published in the Canada Gazette, March 11, 2000
Consultations on Possible Trade Negotiations with Costa Rica
The Government of Canada is seeking the opinions of Canadians on a possible free trade agreement between Canada and Costa Rica. The Government believes that ongoing, broad-based consultations with the provinces, the business sector, and the public at large are essential.
Background
A free trade agreement with Costa Rica would improve our trade and political ties with one of Central America's most rapidly growing economies. While still a relatively small market, there is significant potential for Canadian companies in several priority export sectors. In 1999, Canada exported goods worth $58.9 million to Costa Rica and imported goods worth just over $176 million. The vast majority of Costa Rican goods enter Canada duty free (notable exceptions are agricultural products, rubber, textiles, apparel and footwear and machinery) while some key Canadian export interests such as auto parts, paper, plastics and wood still face significant tariffs in Costa Rica.
Canada is the fourth largest investor in Costa Rica, with accumulated direct investment of $417 million. In the services field, Canadian providers have not, to date, played a major role in Costa Rica although there are many sectors of potential interest: e.g., tourism, banking, mining, telecommunications, insurance, electricity, water distribution and oil production. In March 1998, Canada signed a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA), which further protects the rights of Canadian investors in Costa Rica.
Submissions by Interested Parties
It is essential that the Government of Canada be fully aware of the interests and sensitivities of Canadians with respect to this initiative before a decision is made on whether or not to proceed. To that end, we would welcome advice and views on any priorities, objectives and concerns of a possible free trade agreement with Costa Rica. We seek input with respect to the following:
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opinions on areas of export interest, including products for which Costa Rica should eliminate tariffs more rapidly and/or remove other barriers. The Government is also seeking views on products for which there may be concerns if access to the Canadian market for Costa Rican products was to be improved, including opinions on the staging of any concessions.
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views on general rules of origin issues and/or advice on appropriate rules of origin or procedure for specific products or sectors.
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any suggestions on "trade facilitation" issues, e.g. significant impediments related to customs or other import-related procedures.
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advice and views on the possible inclusion of investment within the scope of negotiations, the types of problems faced by Canadian investors in Costa Rica and the type of investment rules that would provide them with better access, treatment, protection and predictability for their investments.
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advice and views on the possible inclusion of services within the scope of negotiations, service sectors in Costa Rica that could be a target for further liberalization and opinions on measures affecting access, including regulatory measures that restrict trade in services. The Government also seeks views on existing Canadian policies in the area of trade in services that may be raised in future negotiations.
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advice and views on the possible inclusion of competition policy within the scope of negotiations.
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views on ways to reflect the interests and values of Canadians in the areas of the protection of the environment, basic workers' rights, human rights and other social concerns, as they relate to Costa Rica.
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views on any other related issues.
All interested parties are invited to submit their views at the earliest opportunity and submissions should preferably be received before March 31, 2000. They should:
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include the contributor's name and address;
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identify the issues being addressed;
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provide precise information on the reasons for positions taken, including anticipated effects on employment and production in Canada, on import and export interests, and on any other social or economic interests in Canada.
Contributions can be sent by e-mail, fax or mail to:
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E-mail: consultations@dfait-maeci.gc.ca
Fax: (613) 944-0757
Address: Trade Negotiations Consultations (Costa Rica)
Trade Policy Planning Division (EAI)
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0G2
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