Canada, EU Agree To Negotiate Economic Partnership

[mobes]

Canada, EU Agree To Negotiate Economic Partnership
10-17-2008
National Post

In the shadow of a continuing world economic crisis, Canada and the European Union agreed Friday to work together to define the scope of a deeper trade partnership.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper told a news conference in Quebec City, also attended by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, that Canada and the EU have agreed to work toward defining the mandate of negotiators for an eventual trade pact in the next few months, with negotiations on the deal possibly starting in early 2009.

"There is a pressing need for us to work together," Mr. Harper added. "These times call for closer economic co-operation."

He said that means "rejecting the frequent tendency in difficult economic times to turn inward and erect barriers between our economies and citizens. We must stand against protectionism and work together to lower barriers."

The deal, which would be more comprehensive than a free-trade agreement, would harmonize regulations, lead to an open skies accord and allow the free flow of Canadian and European workers across the Atlantic Ocean.

Mr. Sarkozy, who is currently also president of the EU, said Canada and the European Union share the same values. He said it is crucial that the two work toward the same goal of overhauling capitalism and the world financial system.

A joint EU-Canada study into the benefits of an economic partnership released Thursday said that both economies would gain almost $32-billion per year through deeper ties. The EU would benefit by almost $19-billion, while Canada would gain $13-billion.

Later Friday, Mr. Harper will take part in the opening ceremony of a three-day meeting of French-speaking nations gathered in Quebec City for the Summit of the Francophonie.

Mr. Sarkozy is leaving the summit on Saturday to meet with U.S. President George W. Bush at the Camp David, Md., retreat, where the discussions will focus on the world financial crisis.

During his visit to Quebec, Mr. Sarkozy and Quebec Premier Jean Charest will sign an agreement on manpower mobility that will grant reciprocal recognition of professional qualifications on both sides of the Atlantic.

He will also address Quebec's national assembly, a first for a French president.

But while Mr. Sarkozy said Canada is France's friend, partner and ally, he was not drawn into a debate over Quebec sovereignty. When asked about it, he said: "France is a country that brings people together, not divides them."

While Messrs. Harper and Sarkozy stressed the importance of launching an economic partnership, the global financial crisis is expected to override the discussions between the two and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso.

"The financial crisis is definitely going to be the backdrop of the discussions," one official said ahead of the meeting.

Messrs. Harper, Sarkozy and Barroso are also expected to talk about Afghanistan, Georgia and Russia, and energy and the environment.

After his meeting with the European leaders, Mr. Harper is going to have bilateral meetings with Ban Ki-moon, secretary general of the United Nations, and Abdou Diouf, secretary general of the International Organization of the Francophonie.

http://www.roguegovernment.com/news.php?id=12400
http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=885494

[mobes]

A joint EU-Canada study into the benefits of an economic partnership released Thursday said that both economies would gain almost $32-billion per year through deeper ties. The EU would benefit by almost $19-billion, while Canada would gain $13-billion.

Never have I witnessed so much disinformation. If anything, this is just a massive consolidation of wealth and power into fewer and fewer hands....Canada has the same economic values as the EU? YEAH RIGHT!!!!!  :!: