Regional and Bilateral Initiatives
Canada-Dominican Republic - Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
The Dominican Republic represents an established and growing market
for Canadian exporters and investors. 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.
It would also better position Canadian business vis-à-vis
competitors in this market. 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.
Update
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade,
announced the launch of negotiations towards a free trade agreement
(FTA) between Canada and the Dominican Republic. (See News
Release and Backgrounders - June 7, 2007)
The first negotiating meeting between Canada and the Dominican
Republic was held in Ottawa on July 9, 2007. The meeting focussed
mainly on procedural issues such as the structure and mandate of
the various negotiating groups and developing a schedule and work
plan for upcoming negotiating rounds. The first full round of negotiations
will be held in October in Santo Domingo.
Negotiations will take place on a wide range of issues, including
trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures, trade facilitation,
non-tariff measures, cross-border trade in services, financial services,
temporary entry, investment, government procurement, competition,
intellectual property, e-commerce, dispute settlement and institutional
provisions. In keeping with Canada’s approach to FTA negotiations,
Canada will also seek to address the social dimensions of economic
integration through the negotiation of provisions on labour and
environment.
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). The government continues to welcome
submissions from interested parties. Officials from Canada and the
Dominican Republic met on four occasions for exploratory discussions,
the last of which took place on January 11, 2007 in Ottawa.
The Dominican Republic is an important and established trade and
investment partner for Canada. In 2006, two-way merchandise trade
between Canada and the Dominican Republic totalled $277 million.
Canadian merchandise exports to the Dominican Republic totalled
$163 million, comprising preparations of petroleum oil, articles
of cement, fish and seafood, copper wire and vegetables. Merchandise
imports from the Dominican Republic amounted to $114 million in
2006, comprising electrical machinery, optical/medical equipment,
apparel, vegetables and fruits. Canadian commercial services exports
totalled $24 million and imports totalled $46 million in 2004 (the
last year for which data is available). The stock of Canadian direct
investment in the Dominican Republic registered at $1.8 billion
in 2006.
A bilateral free trade agreement with the Dominican Republic could
deliver commercial benefits across many sectors of the Canadian
economy, including a range of agriculture and agri-food products
(e.g. frozen french fries, pulses, meats), natural resources and
information and communication technology. Industries where there
would be enhanced market access opportunities for Canada include:
fish and seafood products, auto parts, electrical machinery, construction
materials, including cement articles, wood and forestry products
and prefabricated housing, industrial machinery and some paper and
paperboard items. In some of these sectors, Dominican Republic tariffs
range from 8-15%. An FTA with the Dominican Republic would also
mean more security and predictability for Canadian investment in
the Dominican Republic and enhanced market access for Canadian service
providers in areas such as financial, professional (engineering),
environmental and mining, energy and construction services.
Benefits for Canadians
Canadians would benefit from an FTA with the Dominican Republic.
Below is some general and sector specific information that outlines
these benefits.
Quick Fact Sheet
Sector Specific Information:
General Information
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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