DFAIT Successes in 2011

The top accomplishments of 2011 highlighted by the Minister included:

• the entry into force of the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement on August 15;
• the conclusion of negotiations toward a Canada-Honduras free trade agreement;
• the tabling of legislation to enact free trade agreements with Jordan and Panama;
• continued progress toward a Canada-European Union trade agreement and a Canada-India trade agreement;
• Canada’s signing of the historic Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, which will combat trade in counterfeit and pirated goods while helping to ensure innovation- and knowledge-based prosperity;
• adoption of the Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to increase Canada’s trade and investment ties in the region;
• the launch of exploratory trade talks with Mercosur, South America’s largest common market;
• continued Canada’s leadership on the world stage in support of free and open trade;
• minister-led trade missions to Brazil, China and India—three of the largest and fastest-growing markets in the world;
• the announcement in November of Canada’s intention to enter into formal consultations to join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership; and
• the naming of an advisory panel of eminent Canadians to make recommendations that will help guide Canada’s International Education Strategy.