Press release
The Board of Trade supports the Canada-EU Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, as well as the leadership role adopted by the government of Quebec in support to the negotiations
Montréal, October 5, 2012 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is satisfied with the meeting led today by Nicolas Marceau, Quebec Minister of Finance and Economy, and Jean-François Lisée, Quebec Minister of International Relations, Francophony and Foreign Trade, regarding the Canada-EU Trade Agreement (CETA) currently being negotiated between our country and the European Union. The ministers have met with representatives from civil society and the business community, including members of the Board of Trade, to discuss the current negotiations. On this occasion, Mr. Pierre Marc Johnson, chief negotiator for Quebec as part of these discussions, presented an update on the current state of the negotiations.
“We support this agreement and the decision made by the government of Quebec to take on critical leadership in support of these negotiations. We offer our support. We encourage the business community to continue its efforts and prepare for fully reaping the associated benefits. In the same spirit as for the signature of the free trade agreement with the United States 25 years ago this year, and then NAFTA in 1994, we are confident that this new agreement will translate into a stronger provincial economy and the creation of high value-added jobs,” said Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal President and CEO Michel Leblanc.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal estimates that Montréal would strongly benefit from this agreement. In addition to being the second largest Canadian economic partner, the European Union represents the largest integrated market with 500 million consumers and a GDP in excess of $17 trillion (GB billion).
“Our export companies will take advantage of the increased openness of European markets and the improved volume of our bilateral exchanges with Europe. This agreement will also promote the attractiveness of direct European investments in Quebec and its largest city, as well as improved mobility for highly qualified labour our businesses genuinely need,” Leblanc added.
“We are convinced that the metropolitan area, thanks to its port and connectivity with the rest of the continent, among others, will have a central role to play as this connection will be consolidated as part of CETA, and we will await the outcome of these negotiations with interest,” he concluded.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is Quebec’s leading private economic development organization.
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Source :
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514-871-4000, extension 4015
spaquette@ccmm.qc.ca
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