Canada Initiates Stakeholder Consultations on a New Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement

Introduction

On September 30, 2017, Global Affairs Canada announced that it has commenced a consultation process regarding a new Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (“TPP-11”). The consultation process is part of a renewed effort to finalize a Trans-Pacific trade agreement following the United States’ withdrawal from the initial Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (“TPP”). The TPP was a multi-lateral trade initiative between 12 countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam), signed by all members on February 4, 2016. On January 30, 2017, following the election of President Trump, the United States notified signatories that it did not intend to become a party to the TPP.

Opportunities under TPP-11

The Government of Canada is seeking the views of the Canadian public and interested Canadian stakeholders on a potential agreement with the remaining 11 countries. Total merchandise trade among TPP-2 countries reached US$404 billion in 2015. Together, the 11 countries, including Canada, represent 494 million people, with a combined GDP of US$10.2 trillion, or 13.6% of global GDP. The TPP-11 consultation process provides an opportunity for Canadian businesses to highlight interests or issues of importance to them regarding trade and investment with TPP-11 countries, particularly Japan. TPP-11 negotiations also offer Canadian companies the chance to strengthen links with Asia-Pacific partners, as well as provide economic and strategic benefits to Canadian companies through significant preferential market access to the fast-growing markets of the Asia-Pacific region.

Call for Submissions

All interested parties are invited to submit their views on TPP-11 to Global Affairs Canada by October 30, 2017. It is important to note that any information received as a result of this consultation will be considered public information, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Submissions should include the following:

1. the contributor’s name and address and, if applicable, the name of the contributor’s organization, institution or business;
2. the specific issues being addressed; and
3. where possible, precise information on the rationale for the positions taken, including any significant impact they may have on Canada’s domestic or international interests.

Dickinson Wright’s team of trade and customs lawyers is available to advise and assist clients during the TPP-11 consultation process.

This client alert is published by Dickinson Wright PLLC/Dickinson Wright LLP to inform our clients and friends of important developments in the field of international trade law. The content is informational only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. We encourage you to consult a Dickinson Wright attorney if you have specific questions or concerns relating to any of the topics covered in here.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Brenda C. Swick is a Member in Dickinson Wright’s Toronto office. She can be reached at 416.594.4052 or bswick@dickinsonwright.com.


Dylan E. Augruso is an Associate in Dickinson Wright’s Toronto office. He can be reached at 416.777.2406 or daugruso@dickinsonwright.com.


Daniel D. Ujczo is Of Counsel in Dickinson Wright’s Columbus office. He can be reached at 614.744.2579 or dujczo@dickinsonwright.com.

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