Harper Government’s Free Trade Agenda Creates Jobs and Economic Growth

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister of International Trade, today announced the launch of a Joint Study to examine the potential for an Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan. The Minister was joined for the announcement by the Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

“The economy remains our government’s number one priority,” said Minister Van Loan. “Our government sees engagement and increased trade with Asia as important drivers of Canada’s long-term prosperity and growth.”

Japan is the world’s third-largest economy and Canada’s largest source of job-creating investment from Asia. It is also Canada’s fourth-largest merchandise export market, with exports totalling almost $9.2 billion in 2010—an increase of more than 10 percent over 2009.

Read full article at the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada site