July 10, 2016 – Shanghai, China – Global Affairs Canada

While attending the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in Shanghai, China, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, took the opportunity to meet with many of her European colleagues, including Cecilia Malmström, the European Commissioner for Trade. The Minister also met with trade representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

The Minister discussed the importance of ratifying the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). She emphasized that Canada remains committed to quickly implementing this gold standard agreement, bringing more jobs and growth to Canadians and citizens of the EU.

Quotes

“Our government is working hard toward signing CETA with our European partners and to its ratification in Canada and by the European Parliament early next year. CETA was discussed at the G20 plenary and our European partners made a point of publicly expressing their strong support for swift ratification.‎ CETA will provide a strong foundation for Canada and the EU to demonstrate global leadership on a progressive and inclusive approach to trade. It is an excellent agreement and will deliver positive results and economic opportunities to our middle class.”

– Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

• CETA will deepen trade and investment links between Canada and the EU member states.
• CETA will provide Canada with guaranteed preferential market access to the EU.
• Approximately 98 percent of all EU tariff lines will be duty free on the first day CETA comes into force (over 99 percent when fully implemented).