CETA: foundering on the agricultural issue
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La France Agricole | 24 April 2012
This is a free translation by Anoosha Boralessa (April 2015). Not reviewed or revised by bilaterals.org or any other organization or person.
CETA: foundering on the agricultural issue
Canada and the European Union hope to conclude a free trade agreement by November 2012. So declared Pia Olsen Dyhr, the Danish Trade Minister on Monday in Ottawa. Her country is currently holding the presidency of the EU. However discussions stumble on supply management of Canadian agricultural products.
This free trade agreement, which is currently in its 10th round of negotiations at Brussels, should enter into force “in 6 months time” declared Pia Olsen Dyhr during a press conference held jointly with her Canadian counterpart Ed Fast.
“We are at the end of the tunnel” she added, noting that 75% of issues have been resolved and only few important points (for example, supply managent of Canadian agricultural products and rules on stating the origin on labeling) still need to be agreed on.
This treaty could facilitate trade, stimulate investments and simplify movement of workers between the two parties. Both parties hope that bilateral exchanges will increase by 20%.
However some MPs for the opposition, anti-globalization militants and Canadian trade unionists fear that provincial governments and cities will no longer be able to endorse “buy local” and the economic development of the regions when faced with European competition.
