BRUSSELS BELGIUM – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Canada and the European Union (EU) have reached an agreement in principle on a comprehensive trade agreement that will significantly boost trade and investment ties between the two partners, and create jobs and opportunities for Canadians.
“This is the biggest, most ambitious trade agreement that Canada has ever reached,” stated the PM. “It covers most aspects of the Canada-EU bilateral economic relationship, including trade in goods and services, investment, and government procurement. It also grants the flexibility to include areas of mutual interest beyond those that have traditionally been included in Canada’s trade agreements, such as regulatory cooperation”.
“This trade agreement is an historic win for Canada,” said Prime Minister Harper. “It represents thousands of new jobs for Canadians, and a half-billion new customers for Canadian businesses.”
The exact details are coming forward, but the deal will remove duties on many of the products traded between Canada and the European Union.
General Motors Supports Deal
General Motors states, “We applaud Canada and the E.U. for completing a modern, high-standard comprehensive economic and trade agreement that will provide enhanced opportunities for growth in both regions,” said Kevin Williams, president and managing director of General Motors of Canada. “We appreciate the hard work to find creative solutions that improve market access for Canadian-produced automobiles, while ensuring Canada continues to benefit from the integrated manufacturing sector that has developed in North America over the past 50 years.”
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