Minister Fast Concludes Productive Two-Day Visit to Washington, D.C., Advocating for Canadian Interests with U.S. Lawmakers

June 26, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today concluded a working visit to Washington, D.C, his ninth visit to the United States as international trade minister.

“The U.S. is and will always be Canada’s largest trading partner,” said Minister Fast. “This is why I travel so regularly to the United States: to facilitate trade and travel, improve security and make both our countries more competitive.”

During his working visit, Minister Fast met with newly appointed U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and U.S. lawmakers to promote and defend Canada’s interests.

“We know that the Canada-United States economic relationship is by far the largest in the world, and trade between the two countries dwarfs that of any other bilateral trade relationship,” added Minister Fast. “Continuing to strengthen this partnership is important to both countries as we work together to eliminate protectionism and to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity on both sides of the border.”

The Canada-U.S. bilateral trade relationship, ensuring the free flow of goods, services and people across our shared border, and defending Canada’s cattle and hog exporters against discriminatory country of origin labelling requirements were priorities on Minister Fast’s agenda in Washington, D.C.

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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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