U.S., Canada promote trade relations

U.S., Canada promote trade relations    U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk met with Canadian Trade Minister Stockwell Day in Washington on Monday to discuss the importance of U.S.-Canada bilateral trade relations.
   Kirk and Day discussed the World Trade Organization Doha Round and the importance of achieving a successful outcome to spur new economic opportunities and contribute to global development. They also considered specific bilateral issues, including softwood lumber, intellectual property rights, country of origin labeling, and a U.S. tax credit designed to encourage the use of alternative fuels.
   'During President Obama's trip to Ottawa in February, the president made it clear that the United States wants to 'grow trade and not contract it' and he underscored the importance of trade to the United States, Canada and the global economy, I sent that same message to Minister Day today,' Kirk said in a statement. 'We have a great track record here to build upon.'
   Canada is the United States' largest bilateral trading partner with more than $1.6 billion in goods crossing the border each day. Two-way trade (exports plus imports) totaled $597 billion in 2008. U.S. exports to Canada were $261.4 billion and imports from Canada were $355.6 billion, resulting in a goods trade deficit of $74.2 billion in 2008, according to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.