Minister Fast Welcomes Appointment of Next WTO Director-General

May 8, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today issued the following statement on the appointment of Roberto Carvalho de Azevêdo of Brazil as the next director-general of the World Trade Organization.

“I would like to congratulate Ambassador Azevêdo on his appointment as director-general of the WTO and offer him Canada’s full support during this critical time in the organization’s history and in our global economy.

“As I expressed in an April 8, 2013, statement, and as I discussed with Ambassador Azevêdo directly, Canada calls upon and is prepared to work with the next director-general to combat the protectionism that remains a toxic threat to the global economic recovery. We must also work together to re-establish the WTO as an institution that can credibly advance efforts to liberalize multilateral trade in the best interests of all of its members. Therefore, it is crucial that meaningful outcomes are achieved at the next WTO meeting, in Bali.

“Canada believes that trade and investment represent the twin engines of growth for the global economy. There is no better job creator than freer and more open trade. The WTO must do its part to lay the foundation for increased prosperity for all of its members.”

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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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