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Harper Government Advances Pro-Trade Plan for Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity at Latest Round of Trans-Pacific Partnership Negotiations

Opening new markets to increase Canadian exports to fast-growing Asia-Pacific region a key part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan

May 24, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today marked the conclusion of the 17th round of Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, which took place in Lima from May 15 to 24, 2013.

“The TPP is a key part of our government’s pro-trade plan to create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in every region of the country,” said Minister Fast. “With one in five Canadian jobs linked to exports, opening new markets in the largest, most dynamic and fastest-growing economies is part of our government’s focus on protecting and strengthening the financial security of Canadian workers and their families.”

The TPP currently comprises 11 countries—Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam. Canada formally joined negotiations on October 8, 2012.

Current TPP countries recently welcomed Japan’s participation in the negotiations. With the addition of Japan, the TPP will represent a market of more than 792 million people and a combined GDP of $27.5 trillion—over 38 percent of the world’s economy.

“Concluding an agreement with our TPP partners will help Canadian workers and businesses gain greater access to high-growth Asia-Pacific markets,” said Minister Fast. “We look forward to continuing to work toward an agreement that advances Canadian interests.”

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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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