Regional and Bilateral Initiatives
Canada-Andean Countries - Free Trade Discussions
Canada and the Andean Community countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador
and Peru) met on December 14 and 15, 2006, in Bogota, Colombia,
for exploratory discussions towards potential free trade negotiations.
The 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 Andean Community countries would
improve our trade and political ties with these economies, and further
advance Canada's foreign policy objectives in the region. The Andean
markets represent significant and growing markets 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 Andean Community countries remain prospective
FTA partners of considerable interest. An FTA would also contribute
to the shared goal of deepening development through economic integration
within the Americas.
Background
In August, 2002, the then Minister for International Trade announced
that Canada and the Andean countries (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador,
Peru and Venezuela) had agreed to begin exploratory discussions
towards a proposed free trade agreement (FTA). Venezuela has since
withdrawn from the Andean Community. As part of the exploratory
discussions, the Minister for International Trade launched 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.
(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
Other Interesting Links
|
