'International trade is, fundamentally, a kitchen-table issue, a matter of fundamental importance to the financial security of hard-working Canadians,' said Fast, in his first keynote speech, delivered to members of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, which represents Canadian businesses of all sizes.
He noted one-in-five Canadian jobs are directly or indirectly dependent on exports and that trade accounts for nearly 60 percent of Canada's gross domestic product.
'That is why we are committed to securing and deepening access to traditional markets, like the United States, and broadening and expanding access to more markets, like the European Union, India and the other fast-growing countries of Asia and the Americas,' Fast said.
Fast used the occasion of the Chamber of Commerce's International Trade Day to release the country's State of Trade 2011, an annual publication of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada detailing this country's trade and investment status. The report indicates that Canadian exports and imports of goods and services to and from all major markets increased in 2010.
Fast warned, however, that Canada still has more to do to enhance its trade activities.
'The global economic recovery remains fragile, and many threats remain,' he said. 'That is why we are committed to aggressively pursuing bilateral and regional trade talks and making more effective use of Canada's diplomatic assets.'
One effort is the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which has the potential to boost two-way trade by 20 percent and add $20 billion to Canada's economy.
The government is also working to complete an agreement with India, which has the potential to provide a $6 billion boost to Canada's economy.
'In addition, the Canada-U.S. shared vision for perimeter security and economic competitiveness, announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and President Barack Obama, will see our countries working to create jobs, economic growth and prosperity,' Fast said.
