Minister Day Highlights Successful Visit to Latin America

(FAITC)

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today highlighted a successful foreign visit, his first in his new portfolio.

“We have had a full schedule, and have accomplished a great deal in a short time,” said Minister Day, following the conclusion of the 20th annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting.

Minister Day travelled to São Paulo, Brazil, on November 17 and 18 before travelling to Lima, Peru, on November 19 to attend the APEC meeting.

While in Brazil, Minister Day and Sergio Machado Rezende, Brazil’s Minister of Science and Technology, signed the Canada-Brazil Agreement on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation. Minister Day also witnessed the signing of an agreement between Canadian Light Source Inc. and the Brazilian Association of Synchrotron Light Technology, operator of the Brazilian Synchrotron Light Laboratory. The agreement will benefit both countries by developing one of the most valuable scientific tools for the investigation of new materials, biomedical samples, and biological and chemical processes.

At the APEC Ministerial Meeting, Minister Day underlined the importance of liberalizing and encouraging trade and investment, as set out in the Meeting’s agenda. Along with this program, Canada is also fully supportive of further reducing “behind-the-border” barriers.

Minister Day also addressed Canadian business leaders during his trip and underscored the importance of international cooperation during difficult economic times.

While in Peru, Minister Day is meeting with several of his counterparts, including those from the United States, Mexico, Australia, South Korea and New Zealand, to reiterate the importance of bilateral cooperation, as well as open trade and investment. He is also meeting with Peruvian Trade Minister Mercedes Aráoz Fernández to discuss next steps for the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement, as well as other issues, such as corporate social responsibility.

“Canada is a major player in the international extractive sector, and our companies have significant investments and operations in many regions around the world, including Peru,” said Minister Day. “Canadian companies realize that a commitment to corporate social responsibility is a commitment to their own success.”

APEC, which has 21 members, is the most important forum for economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Its members account for 54% of world GDP, 41% of world population and 42% of global merchandise trade. It brings together four of Canada’s top five trading partners, from both sides of the Pacific, and works to facilitate trade and investment in the region.