"Our government is committed to standing up for Canadian interests by ensuring taxes are low and trade is open and free," says Minister Fast.

Minister Fast welcomed the successful conclusion of negotiations in Geneva to modernize the WTO's Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) and expand its market access opportunities for the 15 parties to the agreement.

Canada helps to lead efforts that result in anti-protectionist pledge adopted by 23 members of the World Trade Organization.

Canada has reached a new agreement on an export certificate for live cattle with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This announcement will help Canada’s overall efforts to build on its economic and trade ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council region as a whole.

Roberts Bank Rail Corridor upgrades benefit communities, improve infrastructure, and create jobs and prosperity for workers, businesses and families.

Minister Fast and Chen Deming, China’s Minister of Commerce, hailed the recent progress made during negotiations on a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA).

Minister Fast highlights Canada’s investment advantages in Germany. Closer ties and increased investment will benefit both our economies and citizens.

Japan is taking steps that could lead to improved access for beef imports from Canada.

Minister Fast thanks advisory board for its report on how small and medium-sized businesses can take advantage of a trade agreement with the EU.

Minister Fast says that the Canada-EU trade deal will create jobs during an address in Vancouver to the Italian Chamber of Commerce.

Canada wins WTO case on U.S. country-of-origin labelling. WTO decision will benefit Canadian farm families, livestock industry and economy.

Canada introduces legislation to implement free trade agreements with Jordan and Panama. Expanded opportunities will benefit Canadian businesses and workers.

Minister Fast travelled to Honolulu, Hawaii from November 10 to 13 to participate in the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting.

Minister Fast announced the first round of negotiations to modernize the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement. This round will wrap up on November 10, 2011, Ottawa.

Minister Fast led a trade mission to India from November 3-9, 2011, to deepen Canada-India trade and investment ties.

Minister Fast delivered a keynote address at a luncheon organized by the Vancouver Board of Trade where he reiterated Canada's commitment to deepening Canada's trade relationships in high-growth Asian markets.

Minister Fast announces funding for 99 organizations and promotes Canada as an investment destination of choice.

"Our ambitious pro-trade plan includes improving market access in the agriculture and agri-food sector" says Minister Fast.

Canada and the EU wrapped up a ninth round of historic free trade negotiations on October 21, 2011, in Ottawa. This agreement will create jobs and prosperity in Canada.

Minister Fast visits Washington, D.C., to reinforce the strong Canada-U.S. relationship, and how free and open trade is the best way to create jobs and economic growth in both our countries.

An expert advisory panel will advise Government of Canada on how to develop an international education strategy as part of the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

Minister Fast made a trade visit to China October 7-14 to drive Canada’s success in key priority market.

A Canada-Morocco trade agreement would be Canada’s first with an African country. A trade agreement will help Canadian businesses across a range of sectors and create jobs, prosperity and opportunity for families who rely on these sectors for their livelihoods.

Minister Fast traveled to Japan and Indonesia September 30 to October 3, 2011 to help strengthen Canada’s trade and investment ties with Asia.

Combatting trade in counterfeit and pirated goods will help ensure future economic prosperity, says International Trade Minister Fast.

Canada-Japan collaboration will support innovation and joint research projects in energy.

Minister Fast announces that the bilateral air transport agreement between Canada and Japan has been expanded to help deepen Canada's important trade and investment relationship with Japan.

On September 26, Minister Fast signed the Canada-Kuwait Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA). This agreement will encourage two-way trade and investment by providing greater predictability and certainty for investors.

On behalf of Minister Fast, Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), highlights Canada’s strong economic fundamentals and investment advantages during California visit.

Minister Fast visits Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island to meet with business leaders and discuss benefits that a trade agreement with the European Union will bring to East Coast businesses and workers.

On September 1, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Canada has lifted the unilateral economic sanctions it imposed on Libya on February 27, 2011, now that the Qadhafi regime no longer holds power.

Minister Fast reaffirms Canada’s support for the sealing industry by highlighting World Trade Organization challenge of unjust EU ban on Canadian seal products.

The 36th Cairns Group Ministerial Meeting took place in Saskatoon this week where Canada is taking a leading role in agricultural trade relations to benefit Canadian farmers, and is the moving forward with free trade negotiations with Morocco that will help Canadian business pursue new opportunities in manufacturing service and other key areas.

Minister Fast announced that four Canadian aerospace and defence associations will receive nearly $300,000 to help their sectors compete globally.

Minister Fast participated in a round table with members of the Canada China Business Council in Toronto to discuss ways to boost Canada’s trade with world’s second-largest economy.

Minister Fast addressed the Economic Club of Canada highlighting how international trade benefits Canadian families, and reiterating the government’s commitment to deepening and broadening Canada’s trading relationships.

Agreement demonstrates our government’s commitment to creating good new jobs and economic growth for Canadian families, workers and businesses.

Canadian ranchers of live breeding cattle, sheep and goats will now benefit from access to the Vietnamese market.

Minister Fast visits Optilume Engineered Light Corporation to discuss benefits of recent trade mission he led to Brazil.

Canada makes major progress in trade negotiations with the European Union. An agreement with the potential to boost two-way trade could be reached by 2012.

Minister Fast participated in a round table in Vancouver on July 13, where he discussed job-creating trade with Chinese business leaders and employers.

On July 11, Minister Fast will lead a round-table discussion in Vancouver organized by the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce. The discussion follows his meeting with Indo-Canadian business leaders in Mississauga on July 7.

Minister Fast went to Pickering to tour the production facility of Komtech Enterprises Ltd. on July 6, 2011.

Minister Fast took advantage of his first international visit to open doors for Canadian companies and promoted trade, investment and economic growth.

Canada and South Korea working together to finalize a science based agreement to export Canadian beef back into South Korea.

Report praises Canada’s strong economic performance in weathering global recession and highlights Canada’s aggressive trade agenda.

Minister Ed Fast announces Canada will move quickly to reintroduce implementing legislation for Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement.

Minister Ed Fast delivers inaugural keynote address at B2B Forum and holds bilateral meeting with Mexico's Secretary of the Economy, Bruno Ferrari.

Minister Ed Fast participated in a round table on business prospects between Canada and India and discussed how the two countries can work together to create jobs and opportunities.

Minister Fast met with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov in Ottawa on the occasion of the IEC Meeting - Canada's most important forum for bilateral exchanges on trade and investment issues with Russia.

Minister Fast launched the Canadian Chamber of Commerce's 2011 International Trade Day with a keynote address, his first as Canada's Minister of International Trade.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development forecasts sustained, strong growth for Canada in 2011 and 2012. Canada scores at or near the top in every sector considered by OECD in its Your Better Life Index.

Minister Fast says agreement demonstrates that NAFTA dispute settlement mechanism works. The deal reaffirms right of governments to regulate pesticide use.

May 25 - Prime Minister Harper announces his team of parliamentary secretaries, who will assist ministers with their parliamentary duties.

The second round of Canada-Ukraine trade negotiations concluded May 20 in Kyiv.

The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State for Finance, represents Canada at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development from May 24 to 26, 2011.

On May 18, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the nomination of Ed Fast as Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

On March 13, International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan and Minister of State Denis Lebel announced the launch of a public consultation on the shared vision for Canada-U.S. perimeter security and economic competitiveness.

Minister Van Loan promoted Canadian investment in emerging African markets at the Africa Rising conference, held on March 14 and 15.

Minister Van Loan visited Vancouver February 23 and 24 to promote Canada’s trade relations with Japan and India and to meet with members of Canada’s Asian-Canadian business community.

International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan discussed the upcoming budget, the economy and Canada’s ambitious free trade agenda with members of Montreal's business community on February 14.

The second round of Canada-Honduras free trade negotiations began February 14 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Minister Van Loan and Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announce that Costa Rica has reopened its market to Canadian beef and beef products.

Minister Van Loan visited New York City on February 3 and 4 to promote Canada as an attractive destination for trade and investment.

Minister Van Loan attended the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on January 28 and 29, 2011 to promote Canada’s many economic advantages as an investment destination.

Minister Van Loan visited Morocco on January 26 and 27, 2011 to promote freer trade and investment on the world stage.

Minister Van Loan visited Washington, D.C. on January 19 and 20 to discuss free trade, jobs and economic growth.

Minister Van Loan announced a sixth round of negotiations toward a comprehensive economic and trade agreement with the European Union. This agreement could create jobs and opportunities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Minister Van Loan visited Orlando, Florida, on January 13 and 14, 2011 to promote Canada’s economic strengths in Florida.

Minister Van Loan welcomed the opening of Canadian exports of spruce lumber to India. This news will create jobs and open markets for Canada’s forestry sector.

Canada announced the conclusion of air transport agreements with Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Egypt. The air transport agreement with Algeria has also been expanded.