Minister Fast Announces Permanent Canadian Trade Presence in Burma

September 3, 2012 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that Canada will have a full-time trade commissioner at Canada’s soon-to-be-open embassy in Burma. The announcement was made during Minister Fast’s trade mission to Burma and three other countries in Southeast Asia.

“A deeper Canada-Burma trade relationship will benefit Canadians through the jobs, prosperity and greater selection of reasonably priced goods and services that come from increased trade,” said Minister Fast. “In turn, our Burmese partners will benefit from the goods, services, expertise and improved standard of living that will come from increased activity in Burma by Canadian businesses.”

On July 12, 2012, Canada announced its intention to open an embassy in Burma. This followed Canada’s announcement in April that it had suspended most of its sanctions against the country. These actions were both in response to a number of positive changes that have occurred in Burma over the last 18 months.

“Establishing a Canadian Trade Commissioner Service presence at our embassy in Burma ensures that Canadian businesses will have a dedicated service on the ground to help identify new business opportunities, assess risks and ensure that local partners in the Burmese market are individuals and companies of the highest ethical standard,” said Minister Fast. “This move signals that Canada stands ready to play a significant role in helping the people of Burma secure a freer and more prosperous future.”

Located in more than 150 cities worldwide and in regional offices across Canada, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is Canada’s most extensive network of international business professionals. The TCS helps companies that are looking to export, invest abroad, attract investment or develop innovation and R & D partnerships.

Since 2006, the Harper government has opened 15 new trade offices in fast-growing markets such as Brazil, India and China, recognizing the growing importance of emerging markets and ensuring Canadian companies can take advantage of exciting business opportunities.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Adam Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332
rudy.husny@international.gc.ca

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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