Final text brings CETA closer to fruition

OTTAWA, Aug. 5, 2014 /CNW/ - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce welcomes news that Canada and the European Union have now completed the final text of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This latest milestone follows an agreement-in-principle announced in October last year.

"Today is an important step on the path towards free trade with Europe. By reducing trade barriers with the world's largest economy, CETA will bring more opportunities for exporters, lower prices for consumers and new investments to Canada," said Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The agreement will eliminate the vast majority of tariffs, expand quotas, open up markets for services and government procurement, improve trade facilitation and customs services, encourage regulatory cooperation and protect investments and intellectual property.

"Political leaders and negotiating teams from both countries should be congratulated for their sustained efforts and resolve in the face of very challenging issues and timelines. But, there's still a lot of work ahead to put CETA into effect," added Mr. Beatty.

In Canada, both the federal and provincial governments will need to amend or pass new legislation to implement the provisions of the agreement. In Europe, approval is required from the European Council and Parliament.

"To get through the next phase, policymakers will need to continue to exert the leadership that got us to where we are today. We look forward to working with them and our membership to make sure the opportunities opened up by this agreement are fully realized," said Mr. Beatty.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the vital connection between business and the federal government. It helps shape public policy and decision-making to the benefit of businesses, communities and families across Canada with a network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade, representing some 200, 000 businesses of all sizes in all sectors of the economy and in all regions. News and information are available at Chamber.ca or follow us on Twitter @CdnChamberofCom.

SOURCE: Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Cam Vidler
Director, International Policy
Office: 613.238.4000 (230)
Cell: 613.301.0882
[email protected]