Joint Study on the Possibility of a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement
Background
Japan is the world’s third-largest national economy and was Canada’s largest source of job-creating investment from Asia. It is also Canada’s fourth-largest merchandise export market, with exports totaling $10.7 billion in 2011 – an increase of 16.1 percent over 2010. Total merchandise trade in 2011 was valued at $23.7 billion.
In February 2011, Canada and Japan agreed to undertake a Joint Study to analyze the current status of the Canada and Japan bilateral economic relationship, and to examine the potential of an economic partnership agreement, or free trade agreement. The Joint Study Group engaged in substantive discussions on the parameters of a possible comprehensive economic partnership agreement. The thrust of the exploratory analysis, together with the Joint Study Group's findings, are presented in the Report of the Joint Study on the Possibility of a Canada-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.
Related Links
- Embassy of Canada to Japan
- Canada-Japan Relations Fact Sheet
- Joint Study on the Benefits and Costs of further Promotion of Bilateral Trade and Investment (2007)
- Doing Business in Japan
Consultations
Beginning on February 26, 2011, the Government of Canada embarked on a comprehensive consultation process with the Canadian public, provinces and territories, businesses and non-governmental organizations to seek input on a potential free trade initiative with Japan (see ARCHIVED Canada Gazette: Consultations on Possible Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnersjip Agreement with Japan). The Government acknowledges the input of all Canadians who have contributed to the consultative process to date and wishes to assure them that their views will be taken into account as the Canada-Japan economic relationship continues to evolve and in the development of Canada’s trade agenda more broadly.
Contact Point
If you have questions or comments, we would like to hear from you. Please contact Foreign Affairs & International Trade Canada at:
Trade Negotiations Division II (TPW)
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Lester B. Pearson Building
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0G2
Fax: 613-944-0757
E-mail: consultations@international.gc.ca
