The Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) and Hon. Member of Parliament Parm Gill. |
The Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway |
Hon. Member of Parliament Parm Gill.and The Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Hon. Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport) with StarBuzz. |
Hon. Member of Parliament Parm Gill.and The Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway with StarBuzz. |
“Earlier this week, Canadian and Indian officials held a successful meeting in Ottawa, where they worked toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement,” said Minister Fast. “There is opportunity here, and we are seizing it in order to protect and strengthen the financial security of hardworking Canadians.”
A Canada-India joint study in 2010 concluded that free trade could expand Canada’s economy by at least $6 billion and increase bilateral trade with India by 50 percent.
“Forging closer Canada-India ties is a key priority for our government, and today’s round-table discussion puts even greater emphasis on this important relationship,” said Minister of State Gosal. “Our ongoing negotiations toward a free trade agreement are a clear indication of our commitment to strengthening this relationship.”
In 2010, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and India totalled $4.2 billion, an increase of 73 percent since 2004. Canadian merchandise exports to India increased 142 percent over this period, reaching nearly $2.1 billion in 2010. In 2010, two-way direct investment was more than $7 billion.
“The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce lauds the efforts of the Harper government to im
prove economic relations with India,” said Satish Thakkar, President of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. “Our Chamber supports an economic partnership agreement and we believe it will result in all-around benefits.”
Over the last five years, Canada has concluded new trade agreements with eight countries and negotiations covering some 50 more are under way. This includes negotiations with the European Union, Canada’s most significant trade initiative since the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
“With trade representing some 60 percent of Canada’s economy, strengthening and increasing trade and investment with India is vital to our economic recovery,” concluded Minister Fast. “Building on the already strong ties we have with India will lead to new opportunities and stronger economies for both countries.”
For more information on Canada-India economic cooperation visit Economic Cooperation Between Canada and India.
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