Canada gains entry to Asia-Pacific trade talks

By Vicki Needham - 06/19/12 02:01 PM ET

Canada on Tuesday became the second nation in two days to receive the go-ahead to join talks on an Asia-Pacific trade deal.

Canada and Mexico, which got the nod on Monday, have been pressing for entry into the discussions over the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) while trying to meet the requirements set by the group.

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement on Tuesday after months of lobbying for a stake in the negotiations. Canada is the 11th country to join the talks.

"Opening new markets and creating new business opportunities leads to jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians," Harper said in a statement.

"A TPP agreement will enhance trade in the Asia-Pacific region and will provide greater economic opportunity for Canadians and Canadian businesses."

The two North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) partners had to be cleared by all the countries involved in the TPP negotiations, including Australia, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

The only nation still waiting to gain entry to the talks is Japan. Some businesses, including automakers, oppose letting Japan participate.

“Through TPP, we are bringing the relationship with our largest trading partner into the 21st century,” said U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk.

“We look forward to continuing consultations with the Congress and domestic stakeholders regarding Canada’s entry into the TPP as we move closer to a broad-based, high-standard trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific region,” Kirk said.

The notification will trigger a 90-day consultation period with Congress on U.S. negotiating objectives with respect to Canada and Mexico. A notice also will be published in the Federal Register seeking public comments.

The TPP negotiations head into their 12th round of talks in San Diego in July.

U.S. trade officials have said they are hopeful of completing a deal this year.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce welcomed the news of Canada’s inclusion in the process.

“The U.S. Chamber applauds the news that the nine countries taking part in the TPP talks will be joined by Canada and Mexico, America’s closest neighbors and largest export markets," said Chamber President and Chief Executive Thomas Donohue.

Donohue said Canada met the conditions Monday night with the approval of long pending copyright legislation by the lower house of Parliament.

He said there are still issues remaining regarding Canadian policies on intellectual property and supply management, but TPP should address those.

“The TPP has the potential to set the table for the next round of global economic growth," Donohue said. "This deal could not come at a more important time for the American economy.”