APEC Workshop

CCCJ President Wilf Wakely addresses APEC audience gathered together to discuss best practices in effective utilization of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Presenters from over 10 countries brought forward successful initiatives from each of their respective countries in supporting SME utilization of EPAs. Wakely focused more bilaterally, providing an overview of the commercial relations between Canada and Japan, introducing the CCCJ’s active involvement in the Canada-Japan EPA talks, and also using the opportunity to speak directly to lead negotiators on the Japanese side on Canadian business interests in Japan. Wakely then offered an overview of the commercial landscape in Canada and the importance of SMEs to our country domestically, as well as in our international activities.

The daylong conference was capped off with a reception on the grounds of the Imperial Palace where speakers and participants continued the discussions of day, sharing ideas with their APEC colleagues in hope for mutual development and success.