CHARLOTTETOWN, Aug. 29, 2014 /CNW/ - 55th Annual Premiers' Conference
Canada's Premiers discussed the importance of international trade relationships in supporting Canada's prosperity. To build and deepen productive relationships between provinces and territories and businesses and government leaders in China, Premier Robert Ghiz will lead a mission of Canada's Premiers to the People's Republic of China on October 29-30, 2014. The mission will be an excellent opportunity to enhance the trade relationship between Canadian provinces and territories and China. China is Canada's second-largest trading partner. In 2013, Canada-China exports were valued at $20.5 billion and imports were valued at $52.7 billion. This will be the third mission to China for Canada's Premiers; earlier missions took place in 2008 and 2012.
Premiers acknowledge the federal government's recent efforts to secure new international trade agreements. Building on this momentum, Premiers urge rapid conclusion of additional important economic agreements, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and other agreements with Asia. Premiers reiterated the importance of direct provincial and territorial participation in the negotiation of international trade agreements to ensure their interests are fully considered and represented.
To enhance competitiveness, Premiers urge the federal government to modernize the areas for which it is responsible, including:
- increasing air access in Canada's air transport agreements with priority trading partners so that the benefits of trade agreements are fully available to all Canadians;
- using the Canada Transportation Act review to improve Canada's competitive environment, enhance transparency, and encourage better balance in the relationship between shippers and railways; and,
- supporting Canada's gateway facilities and transportation networks to accommodate current and future growth.
Associated link:
http://www.canadaspremiers.ca
SOURCE: Council of the Federation
Guy Gallant, Press Secretary, Office of the Premier, Government of Prince Edward Island, 902-368-4400
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