January 19, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Canada's trade diversification strategy is about securing more opportunities for exporters to compete and succeed in thriving global markets, including in the Asia-Pacific region. Opening new markets and reducing tariffs through ambitious trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), leads to economic growth and secures more well-paying jobs for Canadian workers.
Today, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, participated in the inaugural CPTPP Commission meeting held in Tokyo, Japan. The meeting was an opportunity for representatives from all CPTPP countries to mark the achievement of the CPTPP's entry into force and discuss elements necessary for full implementation. Minister Carr also used the opportunity to promote Canadian beef.
Representatives from Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam participated in the CPTPP Commission meeting and concluded their session by issuing a Ministerial statement. Through high-standard rules and ambitious market access commitments in the CPTPP, Canada is building an unparalleled platform for success with its trading relationships in fast-growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
"The Commission meeting allowed CPTPP countries to chart a course for next steps as well as agree on a framework for the accession of new members. We are working hard to ensure that Canadian interests are represented and companies of all sizes can benefit from the CPTPP. This new agreement is creating jobs and opportunities right across the country, whether it's for forestry workers in British Columbia, beef farmers in Alberta or lobster fishermen on our East Coast. We're proud to have been able to help create an environment where there are more opportunities for middle-class Canadians."
- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification
Quick facts
The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between Canada and 10 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
Canada is now the only G7 nation with free trade agreements with all other G7 members and with free trade access across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.
On December 30, 2018, the CPTPP entered into force among the first six countries to ratify the agreement: Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore. On January 14, 2019, the CPTPP entered into force for Vietnam.
