As international trade falls generally within the
jurisdiction of the Government of Canada, British Columbia
must rely on the federal government to negotiate
international agreements to the benefit of the province.
The Province works with the Government of Canada to ensure
the interests of this province are represented in
international negotiations, agreements, and international
disputes.
Canada is signatory to a number of international
trade agreements, the most important of these being the
World
Trade Organization (WTO) and the
North American Free Trade Agreement
(NAFTA). Canada is also signatory to a number of
bilateral trade agreements, such as the
Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement.
Canada and the European Union launched negotiations
towards a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement on May 6,
2009. Successful negotiations would significantly
expand access for BC exporters of goods and services to the
largest trading block in the world.
International agreements all share common elements, in that they have general overarching rules governing trade relations between signatories, sector specific rules governing trade in certain goods and services, and provisions to solve disputes.
A comprehensive list of Canada's regional and
bilateral initiatives is available at the Department of
Foreign Affairs and International Trade website:
Negotiations and Agreements.
Trade and Investment Agreements
Trade and Investment Negotiations
Government Sites
Trade Resources
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