The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that legislation has been introduced in the House of Commons for the two free trade agreements (FTAs) Canada recently signed with Colombia and Peru. These agreements will open new doors for Canadian companies doing business in Colombia and Peru by expanding market access in key sectors such as extractive industries, manufacturing, and agriculture.

“Canada is taking action during these difficult economic times by reaching out to our trading partners and reducing the barriers which undermine our mutual prosperity,” said Tom Lukiwski, Member of Parliament for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre. “These agreements will give companies in Saskatchewan a competitive edge in many sectors including wheat, barley, fertilizers and pulse crops”.

In 2008, two-way merchandise trade between Saskatchewan and Colombia totaled more than $129 million, while two-way merchandise trade between Saskatchewan and Peru reached $106.8 million.

“These Agreements with Columbia and Peru will open doors for companies in Saskatchewan that do business in these countries. Our Government is committed to expanding market access in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. This is just one initiative that will continue to give Saskatchewan a competitive edge”.