Harper Government committed to creating new jobs and economic growth by opening markets for Canadian farmers and businesses

RABAT, MOROCCO – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Prime Minister of Morocco, Abbas El Fassi, today announced the two countries will begin negotiations towards a free trade agreement.  The announcement was made during a working visit to Morocco by Prime Minister Harper.  The Prime Minister was joined by Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, and Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture. 

"The economy remains our Government’s number one priority,” said Prime Minister Harper.  “A free trade agreement with Morocco would be Canada's first with a country on the African continent, and is another example of how our Government is pushing to create jobs and economic growth through trade liberalization."

Canada and Morocco already enjoy a dynamic relationship with close cultural and linguistic ties.  A Canada-Morocco free trade agreement would not only enhance the existing relationship, but would open new markets, encourage economic growth and create jobs while helping our farmers and businesses compete globally.

Canadian businesses have identified Morocco as a priority market for a free trade agreement.  The Harper Government will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that their interests and concerns are taken into account during the negotiations.



Backgrounder

Towards a Canada-Morocco Free Trade Agreement

The Harper Government is committed to creating jobs, promoting economic growth and opening new markets for farmers and businesses through trade liberalization.  In keeping with this goal, Canada and Morocco have launched negotiations towards a free trade agreement. 

Canada and Morocco already enjoy close economic relations and it is hoped that a free trade agreement will help increase trade between the two countries.  A free trade agreement would also be the gateway to a deepened Canadian commercial presence in the Mediterranean region and North Africa. 

Canada is pursuing a comprehensive free trade agreement that would cover a wide range of areas, including trade in goods and services, investment, and government procurement.  An agreement would also deliver commercial benefits across a wide range of sectors, including the manufacturing, agriculture and agri-food, and service industries.  In keeping with Canada’s approach to free trade negotiations, Canada will seek provisions on the environment and labour cooperation.

Morocco is an important market for Canada. It has a population of more than 30 million and a growing economy, having experienced 5.6 per cent growth in gross domestic product in 2008 and 4.9 per cent in 2009.  In 2009, bilateral merchandise trade totalled $513 million. Morocco is already an important export destination for Canadian merchandise exports, which were valued at $375 million in 2009.


Backgrounder

Canada’s Free Trade Plan

§        In keeping with its Global Commerce Strategy, the Canadian Government is moving ahead with a strong and ambitious free trade agenda.  Freer trade is an essential contributor to Canada’s productivity, growth and prosperity, and ensures Canada’s competitiveness in external markets. It is also a key element in the Government’s response to the global economic crisis, supporting economic growth while sending a strong signal against protectionism.  The Government’s determined commitment to pursue free trade will create jobs and generate prosperity for Canadians. The Government is currently in negotiation on opening new markets for Canadians and Canadian businesses with about 50 countries.

§        In Toronto, recognizing that global trade is a driver for growth, the G-20 leaders extended their commitment to resist protectionism for an additional three years, until 2013.  In Seoul, G-20 Leaders reiterated their call for a comprehensive, balanced and ambitious conclusion to the World Trade Organization Doha Round of multilateral trade negotiations  Canada’s positive experience with free trade—and our ambitious free trade agenda—can stand as a model for opening doors to increased business and investment activity. 

Free trade agreements that entered into force since 2006:

European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland), implemented on July 1, 2009; and Peru, implemented on August 1, 2009. 

Free trade agreements that have been signed since 2006:

Colombia, signed November 21, 2008; Jordan, signed June 28, 2009; and Panama, signed May 14, 2010. 

The following are Canada’s additional key free trade accomplishments since 2006:

Ø      Morocco:
o       Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the launch of trade negotiations with Morocco on January 27, 2011 in Rabat.

Ø      European Union:
o       The sixth round of Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement negotiations took place January 17 to 21, 2011 in Brussels.
o       Parties continue to work toward an ambitious and comprehensive agreement. 

Ø      India:
o       Prime Minister Harper announced the opening of talks toward a Canada-India free trade agreement on November 12, 2010.

o       On November 16, 2010 Canada’s International Trade Minister Peter Van Loan held a productive first round of free trade negotiations in Delhi, India.

Ø      Japan:
o       Canada and Japan have been consulting on options for pursuing free trade and will continue these discussions.

Ø      Other countries:
o       Canada is pursuing the expansion of existing FTAs with Chile, Costa Rica and Israel.

Since 2006, Canada has been in preliminary talks or formal free trade negotiations with the following countries:

Morocco, negotiations announced January 27, 2011; European Union, negotiations launched May 6, 2009; Caribbean Community CARICOM, negotiations launched July 19, 2007; Ukraine, negotiations launched May 2010; and India, launched in November 2010. Canada has also been in free trade discussions with the following countries: Singapore, Central America Four (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua), Korea and Dominican Republic, launched in October 2001, December 2001, November 2004 and June 2007 respectively.  Exploratory talks are also underway with Japan and Turkey