February 13, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Supporting Canadian companies of all sizes so they can capitalize on opportunities for trade and investment worldwide and create jobs for the Canadian middle class is at the heart of Canada's trade diversification strategy.
Building on the successful Canadian launch of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in Vancouver this week, the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, is in Winnipeg, Manitoba, today to deliver a keynote address at Expanding Your Business Horizons, a seminar on the CPTPP.
This event is one of many across the country this week, and during the coming weeks, to highlight the new opportunities created by Canada's trade diversification strategy and the ambitious trade agreements, resources and support, such as the Trade Commissioner Service, that are available to help Canadian firms access global markets.
The CPTPP gives Canadians greater access to the most dynamic markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement means that Canadian businesses—from farmers, fishers, scientists and manufacturers to owners of small businesses—gain access to half a billion new customers.
To help Canadians take advantage of the benefits of Canada's trade agreements and access new markets, the Government of Canada is investing $1.1 billion in programs and services to:
- provide resources to small and medium-sized enterprises to help them explore new export opportunities;
- enhance trade services for Canadian exporters; and
- help Canadian innovators add value, succeed and grow their businesses.
"The CPTPP provides Manitoba businesses and businesses across Canada a competitive advantage in both established and fast-growing markets across the Asia-Pacific region. Our new Asia Pacific agreement is a bridge that will enable people, goods and services to be shared more easily with half a billion new customers, creating good, well-paying jobs for Canada's middle class and those working hard to join it."
- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification
Quick facts
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The CPTPP is a free trade agreement between Canada and 10 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.
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On December 30, 2018, the CPTPP entered into force between the first six countries to ratify the agreement: Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand and Singapore. On January 14, 2019, the CPTPP entered into force for Vietnam.
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As part of its trade diversification strategy, the Government of Canada will invest $100 million over six years to reinforce the CanExport program and related TCS funding programs, helping more Canadian businesses reach overseas markets.
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The TCS helps thousands of Canadian businesses succeed in international markets by providing key business insights and access to an unbeatable network of international contacts.
