Regional and Bilateral Initiatives
Canada-Dominican Republic - Free Trade Discussions
Canada and the Dominican Republic met on January 11, 2007, in Ottawa,
for exploratory discussions towards potential free trade negotiations.
Discussions were positive and allowed for a frank exchange of views
on a wide number of issues which could be raised in the context
of future FTA negotiations. Parties agreed to exchange further information
related to a number of topics.
Exploratory discussions allow countries to gauge the potential
benefits and impacts of an FTA and to discuss the scope and organization
of possible negotiations. These discussions are an important step
in the process Canadian trade negotiators must follow prior to obtaining
a formal mandate to engage in FTA negotiations.
A free trade agreement with the Dominican Republic would improve
our trade and economic ties, and further advance Canada's foreign
policy objectives in the region. The Dominican Republic represents
an established and growing market for Canadian exporters and investors.
As stated in the Government's Economic plan, Advantage Canada, it
is in Canada's national interest to be open to free trade opportunities
and help Canadian business compete in global markets. In this regard,
the Dominican Republic remains a prospective FTA partner of considerable
interest.
Background
The Government of Canada agreed in 2002 to explore the possibility
of a free trade agreement with the Dominican Republic. The Minister
for International Trade launched in November 2002, extensive domestic
consultations with business, citizen-based organizations and individual
Canadians, as well as with the provincial and territorial governments,
to obtain advice and views on priorities, objectives and concerns
to help define the possible scope of this initiative. Consultations
indicated broad support for a Canada-Dominican Republic FTA (for
more information, see the News
Release and the Canada Gazette
Notice of November 2, 2002)
Contact Point
If you have questions or comments about this initiative we would
like to hear from you. Please contact Foreign Affairs & International
Trade Canada at:
Regional Trade Policy Division (TBB)
Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 promenade Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-3489
E-mail : consultations@international.gc.ca
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