Opening new markets to increase exports creates new jobs and new sources of growth for Canada’s economy, Minister Fast says

August 27, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, announced the intention to create a joint economic and trade committee involving Canada and Turkey. Minister Fast was joined at the August 26 announcement by Zafer Çaglayan, Turkey’s Minister of Economy.

“In order to help create jobs and prosperity for workers and families, our government is committed to promoting Canadian expertise in priority markets like Turkey,” said Minister Fast. “Today’s announcement will help us strengthen our trade and investment relationship with a view to creating a positive environment for Canadian businesses to participate in major Turkish economic projects.”

During their meeting, the two ministers agreed to establish a joint economic and trade committee to find concrete means of expanding trade and investment. They also expressed support for the conclusion of exploratory talks toward an ambitious and comprehensive free trade agreement, welcomed continued discussions on air transport services and reaffirmed their commitment to fostering Canada-Turkey education and technology exchanges.

“From transportation to mining, education to infrastructure, Canada can offer a lot to our Turkish partners,” said Minister Fast. “These are promising areas of increased partnership between our industries, and of increased jobs and growth for both our countries.”

Minister Fast is on a five-day visit to Kuwait, Turkey and Saudi Arabia to advance the interests of Canadian businesses in those countries.

For additional details, please consult Minister Fast Visits Middle East and Turkey.