Further Opportunities
Investment
Canada's Position in WTO and FTAA Negotiations It is in Canada's interests to provide stability, transparency, predictability,
non-discrimination and protection for Canadian companies and individuals
investing abroad, as well as for foreigners wishing to invest in
our country. Effective investment rules contribute to a positive
economic climate and encourage job creation. Multilaterally, regionally
and bilaterally, Canada has consistently supported a strong, rules-based
system.
Objectives in World Trade Organization Negotiations
At the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Conference in 2001, Ministers recognized
the importance of a multilateral framework to secure transparent,
stable and predictable conditions for investment, and they agreed
to launch investment negotiations after the next Ministerial Conference
provided agreement was reached on negotiating modalities. Paragraphs
20 to 22 of the Doha Declaration set out the mandate for the WTO
Working Group on the Relationship Between Trade and Investment.
An appropriate multilateral investment agreement would help secure
market access and other rules-based benefits, making it easier to
promote and protect Canadian investment abroad. Such an agreement
would also provide some degree of protection and non-discriminatory
treatment for Canadian investments not currently covered by regional
or bilateral agreements.
Trade
and investment in the WTO
For more information see Canada
and the WTO.
Objectives in Free Trade Area of the Americas Negotiations
The Americas are a prime destination for Canadian foreign direct investment
abroad, and an important source of investment flows into Canada.
The federal government puts a high priority on the development of
stronger investment rules for Canadian investors in the Americas.
Through the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) process, Canada
is seeking to negotiate investment obligations that provide stability,
transparency, predictability, non-discrimination and protection
for companies and individuals investing abroad, while allowing for
flexibility in areas of key domestic sensitivity.
For more information on Canada's approach
to investment in the FTAA, including in relation to the current
draft text of the agreement.
Archive: 1999 Consultation Paper
on WTO/FTAA Investment
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