Statement by Minister Fast on Trans-Pacific Partnership

April 20, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today issued the following statement marking the conclusion of Canada’s bilateral consultations regarding Japan’s participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): 

“Canada has successfully concluded its consultations with Japan. These consultations have been informed by a robust and ongoing engagement with Canadian stakeholders, and it’s that engagement that helped inform this process.

“Canada and Japan have a long history of economic cooperation. We look forward to continuing to work together to deepen our trade and investment relationship in a manner that will generate significant benefits for hard-working people in both our countries.

“In fact, we are already working closely with Japan toward a bilateral economic partnership agreement.

“The TPP offers a tremendous opportunity to expand Canada’s partnerships in Asia while further strengthening existing relationships in the Americas. Concluding an agreement with our TPP partners that advances Canadian interests is a key part of our government’s ambitious pro-trade plan.

“Opening new markets for Canada’s exporters in fast-growing Asia-Pacific economies is key to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

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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