SANTIAGO, CHILE -- (Marketwired) -- 03/11/14 -- Canada Revenue Agency
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue, today attended the inauguration of the Chilean President Michelle Bachelet in Valparaiso. Minister Findlay was accompanied by Canada's Ambassador to the Republic of Chile, Ms. Patricia Fuller.
For more than 70 years, Canada and Chile have shared diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. Last May, the outgoing President Sebastian Pinera was in Ottawa to sign the renewal of the Canada-Chile Strategic Partnership Framework. With emphasis on trade liberalization and support for various sectors, the two countries have opened new markets, creating new opportunities for businesses and jobs in both Canada and Chile.
While in Chile, Minister Findlay met with Mr. David Baril, President of the Chile-Canada Chamber of Commerce and Vice-President of Operations for Teck Resources Limited, and Mr. Andres Kuhlmann, also a member of the Chile-Canada Chamber of Commerce and General Manager of Transelec S.A. Discussions focused on current Canadian business activities in Chile, the country's current economic environment, and future opportunities for the Canadian business market.
Minister Findlay also met with key members of the incoming Chilean government, including President Michelle Bachelet, Foreign Affairs Minister Heraldo Munoz, and Minister of Finance Alberto Arenas. On behalf of the Canadian government and Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Minister Findlay thanked outgoing President Sebastian Pinera and Foreign Minister Alfredo Moreno for their strong partnership with Canada.
Quick Facts
-- The Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement (CCFTA) is the cornerstone of
Canada's strong and growing trade and investment relationship with
Chile. Since it came into force in 1997, two-way merchandise trade has
more than tripled and Canada has become the largest source of new direct
investment in Chile. Efforts to modernize and broaden the CCFTA are
ongoing.
-- Through our Strategy for Engagement in the Americas, Canada is closely
working with partners towards three goals: to create economic
opportunity and increase mutual prosperity; to address insecurity and
advance freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law through
capacity building; and to foster lasting relationships with our
neighbours.
-- The Chile-Canada Chamber of Commerce promotes the development of trade
relations between Canada and Chile, helps to protect Canadian and
Chilean commercial interests, assists partners in their commercial
activities, and maintains relationships with other national and
international organizations engaged in similar activities in Chile and
abroad.
-- The Chile-Canada Chamber of Commerce currently has 125 member companies,
including Canadian companies established in Chile, Chilean companies
linked to Canada, and other international firms and services.
Quotes
"We place great value on our collaborative relationship with Chile as a key strategic partner for Canada in the Americas, and we are pleased to have such an open, stable, strong and like-minded trade and investment partner in the region. Canada's relationship with Chile is important to our government and to the many Canadians who do business here."
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue
"We look forward to working with President Bachelet's government to foster an environment that will continue to create jobs and economic opportunities in both Canada and Chile."
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue
Associated Links
News Release - March 10, 2014
Embassy of Canada to Chile
Canada-Chile Relations
Chile-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Chile (Spanish only)
Stay connected
To receive updates when new information is added to our website, you can:
- Follow the CRA on Twitter - @CanRevAgency.
- Subscribe to a CRA electronic mailing list.
- Add our RSS feeds to your feed reader.
You can also watch our tax-related videos on YouTube.
Contacts:
Rebecca Rogers
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Revenue
613-995-2960
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @DFATDCanada
Noel Carisse
Media Relations
Canada Revenue Agency
613-952-9184
