The department is contributing to economic recovery and opportunity by:

• implementing the Global Commerce Strategy;
• advancing bilateral negotiations on trade and investment liberalization and market access;
• strengthening Canada’s international commercial network; and,
• advancing Canadian interests in the Doha Round of the World Trade Organization.

The department manages our relations with the U.S., Mexico, and the Hemisphere by:

• implementing a comprehensive approach to Canada-U.S. relations;
• continuing to build relations with Mexico; and,
• implementing the government’s Americas Strategy.

Canada remains committed to six targeted priorities and three signature projects until 2011, in keeping with Afghan objectives and the efforts of the international community. In cooperation with the Government of Afghanistan and other Government of Canada partners, the department implements a whole-of-government approach to our engagement in Afghanistan, by:

• building the capacity of the Afghan National Security Forces in Kandahar;
• strengthening the Government of Afghanistan’s ability to provide core services and promote economic growth;
• providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan’s most vulnerable populations, including refugees, returnees and internally displaced persons;
• facilitating Afghan-led efforts towards political reconciliation; and
• advancing Afghanistan’s capacity for democratic governance by supporting the establishment of effective, accountable public institutions and electoral processes.

Canada is implementing a regional approach to Afghanistan’s stabilization and reconstruction, with the priority to:

• enhance border security by facilitating a bilateral dialogue between Afghan and Pakistani authorities.

The department will continue with measures to transform itself into a modern, forward-looking foreign ministry, by:

• ensuring ongoing alignment with government priorities;
• strengthening the international platform and focusing on missions and regional offices;
• improving services to Canadians;
• focusing on core business;
• strengthening accountability; and
• renewing our human resources.