Ottawa, April 4, 2012
2012-039

Archived - Economic Action Plan 2012 to Expand Trade and Open New Markets for Canadian Businesses

Related Document:

• Economic Action Plan 2012

The Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), today spoke to the Economic Club of Canada in Ottawa about how Economic Action Plan 2012 will leverage sustained economic growth and job creation by expanding trade and opening new markets for Canadian businesses.

“Our Government understands that Canada’s prosperity is linked to reaching beyond our borders for economic opportunities that serve to grow Canada’s trade and investment,” said Minister Menzies. “In less than six years, Canada has concluded new free trade agreements with nine countries and concluded or brought into force foreign investment promotion and protection agreements with 10 others.”

Economic Action Plan 2012 builds on these successes by:

• Intensifying Canada’s pursuit of new and deeper international trade and investment relationships, including updating the Government’s Global Commerce Strategy.
• Implementing the Action Plan on Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness and the Action Plan on Regulatory Cooperation, which will facilitate trade and investment flows with the United States.
• Providing support to Canadian businesses through tariff and tax measures, along with the extended provision of domestic financing by Export Development Canada.
• Increasing travellers’ exemptions to modernize existing rules and facilitate border processes for Canadians bringing goods home from abroad.

“Free and open trade has long been a powerful engine for Canada’s economy,” said Minister Menzies. “The actions we are taking in Economic Action Plan 2012 will be a key cornerstone of Canada’s long-term prosperity in these globally challenging economic times.”

For further information, media may contact:

Bram Sepers
Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Finance)
613-996-7861

Jack Aubry
Media Relations
Department of Finance
613-996-8080

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