Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
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Canada-Dominican Republic - Free Trade Agreement Negotiations
The Dominican Republic represents an established and growing market for Canadian exporters and investors. A free trade agreement (FTA) with the Dominican Republic would improve our trade and economic ties, and further advance Canada's foreign policy objectives in the region. It would also better position Canadian business vis-à-vis competitors in this market. As stated in the Government's economic plan, Advantage Canada, it is in Canada's national interest to be open to free trade opportunities and help Canadian business compete in global markets.
Free trade negotiations between Canada and the Dominican Republic were launched on June 7, 2007 (see News Release and Backgrounders). The first round of talks was held in Ottawa on December 10-14, 2007, while the second round, which was scheduled for February 18-22, 2008 in Santo Domingo, has been postponed. A new date for the next round of negotiations has not been set.
The Minister of International Trade, announced the launch of negotiations towards an FTA between Canada and the Dominican Republic on June 7, 2007 (see News Release and Backgrounders).
Prior to the formal launch of negotiations, extensive domestic consultations were launched in November 2002 with Canadian business, citizen-based organizations and individual Canadians, as well as with the provincial and territorial governments, to obtain views on the possibility of an free trade agreement (FTA) between Canada and the Dominican Republic (for more information, see the News Release of November 4, 2002 and the Canada Gazette Notice of November 2, 2002). Consultations indicated broad support for a Canada-Dominican Republic FTA.
Following to the formal launch of negotiations, the Government of Canada launched further consultations on a possible Canada-DR FTA as it relates to market access for goods, services and investment. (For more information on these public consultations, see Consultations.)
The closing date for this consultation process was January 10, 2008. The Government of Canada, however, continues to welcome views from the public in regards to this initiative.
The Dominican Republic is an important and established trade and investment partner for Canada. In 2006, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and the Dominican Republic totalled $277 million. Canadian merchandise exports to the Dominican Republic totalled $163 million, comprising preparations of petroleum oil, articles of cement, fish and seafood, copper wire and vegetables. Merchandise imports from the Dominican Republic amounted to $114 million in 2006, comprising electrical machinery, optical/medical equipment, apparel, vegetables and fruits. Canadian commercial services exports totalled $24 million and imports totalled $46 million in 2004. The stock of Canadian direct investment in the Dominican Republic registered at $1.8 billion in 2006.
A bilateral free trade agreement with the Dominican Republic could deliver commercial benefits across many sectors of the Canadian economy, including a range of agriculture and agri-food products (e.g. frozen french fries, pulses, meats), natural resources and information and communication technology. Industries where there would be enhanced market access opportunities for Canada include: fish and seafood products, auto parts, electrical machinery, construction materials, including cement articles, wood and forestry products and prefabricated housing, industrial machinery and some paper and paperboard items. In some of these sectors, Dominican Republic tariffs range from 8-15%. An FTA with the Dominican Republic would also mean more security and predictability for Canadian investment in the Dominican Republic and enhanced market access for Canadian service providers in areas such as financial, professional (engineering), environmental and mining, energy and construction services.
Negotiations will take place on a wide range of issues, including trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures, trade facilitation, non-tariff measures, cross-border trade in services, financial services, temporary entry, investment, government procurement, competition, intellectual property, e-commerce, dispute settlement and institutional provisions. In keeping with Canada’s approach to FTA negotiations, Canada will also seek to address the social dimensions of economic integration through the negotiation of provisions on labour and environment.
Canadians would benefit from an FTA with the Dominican Republic. Below is some general and sector specific information that outlines these benefits.
Quick Fact Sheet
Sector Specific Information:
- Goods
- Services
- Investment
General Information
In keeping with the 2001 Framework for Conducting Environmental Assessments of Trade Negotiations, an Initial Environmental Assessment of the Canada-Dominican Republic FTA negotiations has been conducted to help negotiators to better integrate environmental considerations into the negotiating process.
If you have questions or comments about this initiative we would like to hear from you. Please contact Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada at:
Regional Trade Policy Division (TBB)
Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 promenade Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-3489
E-mail : consultations@international.gc.ca
