9 June 08

Canada reaches free trade deal with Colombia

The following article is excerpted from the 7 June 08 edition of the “Toronto Star”.

Canada has completed negotiations with Colombia that will establish a free trade agreement between the two countries, the federal government announced Saturday.

Negotiations also resulted in agreements on environmental and labour deals between the two countries. …

The government said the deal will improve market access for agricultural products, industrial goods and services trade between Canada and Colombia. Last year, total merchandise trade between the two countries totalled $1.14 billion. The government said the deal will also ensure a more secure investment environment and create stronger opportunities for Canadian exporters to enter the Colombian market….

The free trade agreement has not yet been formally signed and must go before the House of Commons before it can be implemented. Canada is slated to enter another controversial round of trade talks this month when it resumes negotiations with South Korea….