OTTAWA, Canada, CMC – Canada and the Caribbean recorded greater than CAD$1.8 billion (One Canadian greenback=US$0.73 cents) in merchandise commerce final yr, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned Thursday.
Addressing the commerce and funding spherical desk dialogue on the ultimate day of the Canada-CARICOM summit, Trudeau mentioned varied commerce packages make this buying and selling relationship attainable by offering many Caribbean international locations with duty-free entry to items.
“We wish to develop this commerce much more to create good jobs, and I’m completely happy to announce at the moment that we are going to be increasing duty-free entry below the Commonwealth Caribbean international locations tariff program to textile and attire.
Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressing roundtable dialogue on commerce and funding (CMC Picture)
He mentioned to strengthen the ties between companies in Canada and the Caribbean employees they make use of, “Canada is dedicated to implementing a brand new overseas labor program for agriculture and fish processing below our short-term overseas employee program.”
Trudeau mentioned that non-public capital may additionally assist construct up a clear financial system in an space with plenty of potential for revenue, prosperity, and the widespread good “and assist the area in attaining sustainable improvement objectives (SDGs).
“Issues like inexperienced infrastructure, good agriculture, renewable vitality, clear expertise, and a lot extra are all areas through which Canadian innovation and companies are rising, and alternatives to accomplice with associates within the Caribbean are excellent.”
Trudeau mentioned it was additionally important to make sure that the advantages of development are felt by individuals throughout the 2 areas, “which embrace guaranteeing that ladies and women, LBGQTI individuals and people of all racial backgrounds share on this prosperity and might construct the futures they need.”
He mentioned shut people-to-people ties make doing enterprise with the Caribbean a “pure match” and that the conversations held over the previous days, “we’ve got seen the potential, the alternatives that exist between our friendship.
“Now’s the time to dig in and additional concretize and develop with extra ambition,” he added.
Guyana’s President, Irfaan Ali, deputizing for Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, as co-chair of the summit, mentioned one of many important outcomes of the discussions on Thursday “is to reset the commerce and funding button, and we’re doing this on the highest stage demonstrating to the non-public sector right here in Canada and our area that we’re severe about increasing our commerce and taking a look at funding alternatives.
“This part of the summit by itself tells the seriousness that we’re placing in the direction of commerce and funding and the position of the non-public sector in the remainder of our relationship,” Ali added.
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