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2007-11-08
Canadian Secretary of State, Helena Guergis, marks fifth anniversary of Canada-Costa Rica trade agreement
SAN JOSÉ - The Honourable Helena Guergis, Canadian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade, yesterday marked the fifth anniversary of the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during an official visit in Costa Rica.
In the five years since the FTA came into force, two-way trade between the two countries has increased by more than 40 percent, reaching $459 million in 2006. There have also been significant Canadian investments in the banking, tourism, environmental and mining sectors, and Canada is one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Costa Rica.
“The success of the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement illustrates the benefits of liberalized trade,” said Secretary of State Guergis. “Costa Rica is a good example of Prime Minister Harper’s view of a middle course that supports values such as freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Canada and Costa Rica share these values.”
During her trip, Secretary of State Guergis met with Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sánchez, as well as Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Stagno and Minister of Foreign Trade Marco Ruiz. In these meetings, they discussed modernizing the Canada-Costa Rica FTA and enhancing its benefits.
Canada is focusing on liberalizing trade in the region through Canada’s Global Commerce Strategy and our renewed focus on the Americas. Canada is pursuing free trade agreements with Colombia, Peru, the Central American Four of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as the CARICOM nations.
“Canada is already a significant trader and investor in the Americas and we intend to enhance our relationships with our neighbours, leading to even greater prosperity”, Secretary of State Guergis said.
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To read the Secretary of States’ remarks click here.
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Jeffrey Kroeker
Director of Communications
Office of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Secretary of State for Sport
613-992-0928
http://www.international.gc.ca