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Colombia-Canada Free Trade Agreement Signed

http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/abc/home/contentposting.aspx?isfa=1&f...

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Canada signs free trade agreement with Colombia

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe signed a free trade agreement between the two countries while at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Lima Friday.

The move was first announced in June, after less than a year of negotiations. The accord will make access to markets easier for the $1.14 billion in annual bilateral trade between the two countries.

"In a time of global economic instability free trade is more important than ever," Harper said in a statement.

"By expanding our trading relationship with Colombia, we are not only opening up new opportunities for Canadian businesses in a foreign market, we are also helping one of South America's most historic democracies improve the human rights and security situation in their country."

U.S. President George Bush, arriving in Lima Friday, has made a free trade agreement with Colombia a priority for his last two months in office.

President-elect Barack Obama opposed the agreement during his campaign for president, raising concerns about Colombia's human-rights record.

Ottawa says the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement will provide greater market access for Canadian exporters, particular for products such as wheat, pulses, barley, paper and heavy equipment. The government also says the agreement will provide stability for businesses involved in both the manufacturing and financial services.

Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon and International Trade Minister Stockwell Day also signed three other deals with their Colombian counterparts on labour, the environment and double taxation.

Under the labour agreement, Colombia has agreed to enforce the elimination of child labour, forced labour and workplace discrimination.

The taxation deal will eliminate double taxation for individuals and companies from one country doing business in the other.

Harper acknowledged that Colombia faces many challenges, particularly in security. Colombia is the world's biggest supplier of cocaine according to the CIA, despite efforts from both their government and the United States.

"While there is no denying that Colombians continue to live with serious security challenges, the improvements we have seen over the last several years gives us much reason for optimism," Harper said. "Deepening both economic and political engagement between our countries is the best way Canadians can support the citizens of Colombia in their efforts to create a safer and more prosperous democracy."

Facts about the free trade deal:

Colombia is a growing economy. Its GDP growth was 7.5 per cent in 2007 and has forecasted rates of 4.7 per cent for the next five years
Colombia will eliminate tariffs on 98 per cent of current Canadian exports immediately, or over a 5- to 10-year period.
Colombia is an investment desitination for more than 50 Canadian companies mostly from the mining, oil exploration and manufacturing sectors.
Top imports to Canada from Colombia include coffee, bananas, coal and fuel.

By Man Tequila on Nov 21, 2008, 18:38 in Friendly Talkzone.

goin_south says on Nov 21, 2008, 20:59:

Mongo, (and, excuse me, MT, but) my first impression is that the 'usa' in general, arrogantly considers Canada insignificant? ( I know; it's not why Canada is not concerned; it's why the 'usa' could care less what Canada does/did) ..... (likely reflecting my own lack of much concern for Canada, warranted or not.)

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

papiChulo says on Nov 21, 2008, 21:10:

south it could be and advantage for Yank businesses to have a back door into the free trade for colombia thru canada.
but ur right most americas don't give a shit about wot happens in canada but they really don't a shit about the rest of the world either... si o no?

BTW... I really don't care wot happens in canada or the USA that much either. soon I'll be living the good life in colombia... :)

I'm givin'er... givin'er HARDCORE

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Sam Salmon says on Nov 21, 2008, 21:25:

There are a few dozen Canadians on small internet sites crying and moaning about how awful Colombia's HR record is-most of us though don't give a shit one way or t'other.

' a la orden!'

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gold digger says on Nov 21, 2008, 22:06:

I don't see anything wrong with children working. I guess the USA would rather have children sitting at home playing video games weighing 200lbs at 12 years old.

But I am very suspicious on free trade since Bush is pushing for it so much. Something fishy has to be going on.

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goin_south says on Nov 22, 2008, 04:53:

probably, g_d... a stash for retirement

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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Man Tequila says on Nov 22, 2008, 17:46:

Canadians don't expect the US to know much or care much about other countries.

And frankly, many Canadians don't either. And the people in Canada who complain ofter don't know much about Colombia, either. Our government is much more concerned about the economy than human rights issues, especially now.

The official line from Harper, the Canadian leader, is that there is a separate side agreement guaranteeing fair labour practices. If this improves labour issues in Colombia, this could be a good thing. If it does little, who here will be surprised?

Aunque no me creas/ si me lo propongo/ lograre olvidarte/ porque a fin de cuentas/ no soy tan cobarde./ Y termino todo una de estas tardes/ no sera dificil buscar algún sitio donde refugiarme/ donde nunca mas vuelvas a encontrarme. (Polo Montañez)

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leftside says on Nov 22, 2008, 18:51:

Free trade great. How about getting us some nice fiance visas for Canada?!

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sanandressi says on Nov 23, 2008, 11:01:

American woman...get away from me........ American woman.......30 million people in Canada and 40 million in Colombia........a good deal and as long as Canadians get to travel to San Andres in January everything is muy bueno! Toronto to Bogota direct 3 or 4 times a week on Air Canada. Vamanos ya!

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