Canada, Colombia Reach
Free Trade Agreement
Canada has reached a
free-trade agreement
with Colombia, David
Emerson, Canada's
foreign affairs and
international trade
minister, said on
Sunday.
The deal will improve
market access for both
nations' agricultural
products, as well as
industrial goods and
services, Emerson said
in a news release.
The two countries also
struck agreements
relating to labor and
environmental issues,
with both countries
committed to pursuing
high levels of
environmental
protection, he said.
The two countries also
committed themselves to
respecting core labor
standards set out by the
International Labor
Organization, such as
the elimination of child
labor, forced labor and
workplace
discrimination, the
release said.
Colombia is a
significant market for
Canadian companies with
a population of more
than 44 million and a
gross domestic product
of 154 billion Canadian
dollars ($us154 billion
U.S. dollars), the
release said.
Last year, the two-way
merchandise trade
between Canada and
Colombia was CA$1.14
billion dollars (us$1.14
billion dollars).
The agreement with
Colombia follows a
similar one Canada
struck with Peru a week
ago. The two agreements
will fulfill Canada's
promise to be a stronger
economic and social
partner in Latin
America, Emerson said.
Canada is also having
free-trade agreement
talks with South Korea.
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