WT/TPR/M/389  
21 August 2019  
(19-5352) Page: 1/65 
Trade Policy Review Body  
12 and 14 June 2019   
 
  
TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
CANADA  
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E. Mr. Manuel A.J. Teehankee (Philippines)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMA RKS BY THE CHAIRPERS ON ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT  BY THE REPRESENTATI VE OF CANADA  ................................ ...... 4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ................  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEM BERS  ................................ ................................ ........................  10 
5  REPLI ES BY THE REPRESENTA TIVE OF CANADA AND A DDITIONAL COMMENTS  .........  56 
6  CONCLUDING REMARK S BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  64 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by Canada  are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/ 389/Add.1 and will be available online at 
http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIR PERSON  
1.1.  The eleventh  Trade Policy Review of Canada was held on 12 and 14 June 2019. The 
Chairperson, H.E.  Mr. Manuel Teehankee (Philippines), welcomed the delegation of Canada , headed 
by Ms. Kendal Hembroff , Director General, Trade Negotiations, Global Affairs Canada; 
H.E. Ambassador Stephen Cornelius De Boer , Permanent Representati ve of Canada to the WTO; the 
rest of the delegation; and the discussant, H.E.  Ambassador  Juan Carlos Gonzalez (Colombia) . 
1.2.  The Chairperson called Members ' attention to the presence of the participants of the Advanced 
Trade Policy Course in French, who were very interested in attending this review meeting.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of trade policy reviews and the main elements of 
procedures for th e meeting. The report by Canada was contained in document WT/TPR/G/389 and 
that of the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/389.  
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Switzerland; Chinese Taipei; Norway; Mexi co; European Union; United States; Chile; Iceland; 
Colombia; Australia; Russian Federation; Hong Kong, China; New Zealand; Ukraine; Japan; Brazil; 
India; and Thailand. The following delegations submitted written questions after the deadline: 
Indonesia; Chi na; Argentina; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Philippines; Singapore; Republic of 
Korea; and Turkey.  
1.5.  At the last Review in 2015, Canada had been commended for its open and transparent trade 
and investment regimes, with very few obstacles for its trading part ners. Members had 
acknowledged Canada 's leadership in the WTO in both the regular work and in the negotiation 
process, and its support to LDCs and small and vulnerable economies. Members had also welcomed 
Canada 's tariff liberalization and simplification e fforts, its commitment to accept and implement the 
TFA expeditiously, and the trade facilitating measures undertaken autonomously. Members had 
identified a number of areas where they thought improvement was possible.  
1.6.  It was noted, for example, that Canada 's exports relied heavily on one market and a narrow 
product base. Regarding Canada 's unique system of government, Members had inquired if there 
were plans to revise Canada 's Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) to ensure compliance with its 
international obl igations. Other areas noted were the possibility of improvement in Canada 's 
alcoholic beverage distribution and tax regime; the increasing use of trade remedies; and high tariff 
protection for some agricultural products. The continued use of export restric tions in certain sectors 
had been questioned, as was the process of pharmaceutical patent approvals. It was to be very 
interesting to hear from Canada what developments had taken place since the last Review with 
respect to these issues.  
1.7.  As the Secretariat  and the Government reports note, during the current review period, the 
Canadian economy was characterized by moderate GDP growth, low inflation, and a relatively stable 
federal government debt -to-GDP ratio. Canada 's economy remained open and competitive, with the 
sum of exports and imports of goods equivalent to over two -thirds of GDP. Canada achieved a high 
standard of living, with GDP per capita of around USD 45,000.  
1.8.  Since its last Review in 2015, Canada 's trade became more diversified, as exports of min erals 
and fuels lost some share of the total, while those of machinery and transport equipment gained. 
Although trade became slightly more diversified geographically, Canada was still largely reliant on 
its main trading partner. To promote the diversificat ion of trade, Canada recently launched a new 
Export Diversification Strategy to increase exports by 50% by 2025. Canada also took steps towards 
a more progressive and inclusive trade policy, by promoting gender equality, and adopting measures 
to foster the  participation of women, SMEs, and Indigenous peoples in trade.  
1.9.  A major development during the review period was the replacement, in 2017, of the Agreement 
on Internal Trade (AIT) by the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, which has a broader scope and 
further  aligns Canada 's internal trade with its external regime, including with commitments made 
under new FTAs.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  1.10.   Canada continues to be a strong supporter of the WTO and the multilateral trading system, 
and has been at the forefront of efforts on WTO reform. It i s the leader of the Ottawa group, with a 
view to identifying ideas to enhance and improve the functioning of the WTO.  
1.11.   Canada continued to pursue FTAs as a means of trade liberalization and, during the review 
period, three new agreements entered into force or were being provisionally applied, with the 
European Union (CETA), Ukraine (CUFTA), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans -Pacific 
Partnership (CPTPP) partners. Canada also signed the agreement revising the NAFTA, referred to in 
Canada as the Canada -United States -Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).  
1.12.   Canada 's investment regime remained largely stable, with few substantial changes to the 
Investment Canada Act. However, the investment review threshold was raised, transparency was 
enhanced for national security re views, and foreign ownership limits in the airline sector were raised 
from 25% to 49%.  
1.13.   Canada undertook a number of measures to facilitate trade, including using streamlined 
border processes through various programmes and stepping up the use of the Single Window 
Initiative.  
1.14.   Canada 's average MFN applied tariff was 6.1% in 2019, compared with 6% in 2014. The 
average rate continued to be higher for agricultural goods, at 21.8%, while for non -agricultural 
goods, it stood at 2.5%. Slightly over 73% of tariff lin es were duty-free.  
1.15.   Canada continues to be an active user of anti -dumping (AD) and countervailing (CV) 
measures. During the review period, there was an increase in the number of investigations initiated 
and in the number of measures applied. Canada introdu ced new legislation to implement "anti-
circumvention " of AD and CV investigations, as well as new Scope Proceedings.  
1.16.   Canada remains one of the key players in the international trade of agricultural products. 
Tariff protection in the sector remained high f or certain products, and a tariff rate quota regime is 
applied to regulate market access; imports of these products require licences. The dairy sector is 
regulated through a supply management system that includes a production quota regime as well as 
price and imports controls. A new five -year policy framework, the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, 
was put in place in 2018 to provide support for investment in the sector.  
1.17.   With respect to services, the reports note that Canada 's financial sector is solid and 
well-regulated. For the purpose of keeping the sector sound and up -to-date, statutes are subject to 
sunset reviews every five years. In telecommunications, Canada embarked on a review of the three 
main laws in 2018 with a view to providing final recommenda tions by 2020. Canada 's domestic and 
regional maritime transport system remains highly reliant on Canadian vessels and services, in part 
due to the limitation set in Canada 's Coasting Trade Act, although there was some liberalization with 
respect to reposi tioning empty containers.  
1.18.   For this Trade Policy Review, Canada was very pleased to have received over 500 advance 
written questions. Other main areas of great interest to Members included: initiatives to facilitate 
trade; tariffs; national treatment in the  application of excise duties; trade remedies, including 
procedures and number of investigations, steel safeguards, standards and SPS measures; Crown 
corporations; objectives and preferences in government procurement; and changes in intellectual 
property l egislation, entry into force of IP treaties, and IP enforcement procedures.  
1.19.   The Chairperson was sure that these topics, and others, would be touched upon in greater 
detail at the deliberations on Wednesday and Friday.  
1.20.   The Chairperson closed his introduct ory remarks by wishing Canada a very successful eleventh 
Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE OF CANADA (MS. KENDAL HEMBROFF)  
2.1.  Mr Chairperson, it gives me great pleasure to be here to represent Canada at our Eleventh  WTO 
Trade Policy Review. Canada thanks all those who have taken part in this important process.  
2.2.  Canada also extends its warm thanks to Ambassador Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Permanent 
Representative of Colombia, whom we are honoured to have as our discu ssant. And we thank all the 
Permanent Representatives and delegates who are participating here today.  
2.3.  I would like to acknowledge the WTO Secretariat for its hard work in producing a very thorough 
and detailed Secretariat Report. Consistent with past revie ws, we appreciated the opportunity for 
frank and productive discussion with your dedicated team throughout this important trade policy 
review process.  
2.4.  Trade drives Canada 's economy. While Canada represents just 0.5% of the world 's population, 
we account for 2.4% of global trade in goods and services. One in six Canadian jobs is linked directly 
to exports.  
2.5.  Spurred by an international trade policy framework that prioritizes trade diversification and 
inclusion, two -way trade in good s and services accounts for almost 66% of Canada 's GDP.  
2.6.  Canada is proud of the role that it has played in helping to build a multilateral trading system 
that is based on the rule of law and has resulted in the creation of freer and more open trade.  
2.7.  At the  time of Canada 's last Trade Policy Review in 2015, the financial crisis and ensuing global 
downturn, including the decline in the price of important commodities such as oil, dampened 
Canada 's economic prospects.  
2.8.  Canada made a choice at that time to re -invest in its people and in innovative practices that 
included improved skills -training for workers, increased infrastructure spending, and fostering 
science and research. Canada has also continued to pursue open and liberal markets through 
comprehensive fre e trade agreements, support for the rules -based trading system at the WTO, and 
various types of unilateral liberalization measures.  
2.9.  Despite the global rise of protectionism and growing trade tensions, which have added 
uncertainty to the global economic en vironment, Canada continues to voice support for the 
rules-based multilateral trading system, seek new trading partners, and remains committed to 
helping its businesses take advantage of opportunities in new markets abroad.  
Support for the multil ateral trading system  
2.10.   The WTO constitutes a critical part of Canada 's international trade policy engagement. As 
Canadians, we believe stronger trade deepens trust and friendship between countries and shrinks 
the distance between us.  
2.11.   That is why Canada 's Minister of International Trade Diversification has convened a small 
group of 12 other diverse, but like -minded, Members to discuss pragmatic and realistic ideas to 
modernize and strengthen the WTO, now known as the "Ottawa Group ". Since last October, Minis ters 
have met three times, most recently in Paris on 23 May. There was also an informal meeting of some 
Ottawa Group members last week in Japan.  
2.12.   Beyond the Ottawa Group, Canada is working to update the WTO 's rule -book to ensure that 
the rules reflect 21st century realities. For example, Canada is advancing negotiations on fisheries 
subsidies and agriculture and is engaged in all of the Joint Statement Initiatives, including 
discussions on e -commerce and domestic regulation of services.  
2.13.   Canadians have shown  themselves united in confronting the challenges of growing 
protectionism. Our efforts signal to the world that trade matters, that rules matter, and that we will 
not be drawn into the world of protectionism.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  Trade diversification  
2.14.   Canada has also pursued an ambitious trade diversification agenda, including through the 
negotiation of comprehensive free trade agreements. This has resulted in a few notable 
accomplishments including provisional application of CETA — Canada 's free trade agreement with 
the Europ ean Union, which marked its one-year anniversary this past fall; bringing into force the 
CPTPP with key Asia -Pacific trading partners; and signing the Canada -U.S.-Mexico Agreement, or 
CUSMA, which will modernize NAFTA once it enters into force.  
2.15.   Last fall, we welcomed our Ukrainian counterparts to Ottawa for the inaugural Canada -Ukraine 
FTA Joint Commission, which celebrated the first anniversary of our free trade agreement.  
2.16.   This past February, Canada brought into force a modernized and inclusive free trade  
agreement with Chile, making Canada the first G20 country to adopt a Gender chapter in a free 
trade agreement.  
2.17.   And, last month, Canada ratified its modernized and inclusive FTA with Israel – improving on 
what was already a great trading relationship.  
2.18.   Finally, Canada is actively pursuing opportunities in other important and fast -growing markets 
and is making inroads: Canada is engaged in FTA negotiations with the Pacific Alliance and 
MERCOSUR, and is exploring possible FTA negotiations with ASEAN.  
2.19.   Taken t ogether, Canada now has 14 FTAs in force covering 51 countries, connecting our 
businesses to 1.5 billion of the world 's consumers and two thirds of global GDP.  
2.20.   In addition to including investment chapters in its FTAs, Canada negotiates stand -alone 
bilatera l investment treaties that we refer to as FIPAs, or Foreign Investment Promotion and 
Protection Agreements. These investment treaties aim to provide greater predictability and certainty 
for Canadian investors considering investment opportunities abroad.  
2.21.   Following public consultations, Canada is currently in the process of modernizing its FIPA 
model to bring it in line with the government 's inclusive trade and investment agenda.   
2.22.   While this degree of market access is impressive, Canadians understand that m arket access 
alone does not guarantee jobs and prosperity. Encouraging Canadian businesses of all sizes and all 
sectors to become global exporters is a national priority.  
2.23.   Canada 's trade diversification agenda aims to ensure that we are maximizing growth a t home 
by fully capitalizing on emerging economic opportunities abroad.  
2.24.   To that end, the Government has launched a Trade Diversification Strategy aimed at helping 
Canadian businesses take advantage of hard -won access to overseas markets.   
2.25.   The Strategy se ts an ambitious target of increasing overseas exports by 50 % by 2025, and 
aims to position Canada as an even more globally -connected economy in the years ahead.  
2.26.   In Canada 's previous Trade Policy Review, the WTO noted that removing additional barriers 
to investment would reverse the trend of Canada 's declining share of FDI. We have taken steps to 
address this. In fact, 2018 marked a 60% increase in FDI flows to Canada at a time when global 
capital flows into OECD countries dropped by 23%.  
2.27.   In March 2018, the Government of Canada created Invest in Canada, an agency whose focus 
is to streamline and encourage global investment into Canada by providing services that make it 
easier for global companies to choose Canada for their next business expansi on.   
Inclusive trade  
2.28.   While Canada remains a keen supporter of the multilateral trading system, we also recognize 
the concerns that fuel protectionist thinking and rhetoric, including the fact that the benefits of trade 
are not being fairly distributed.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  2.29.   Canada is proposing an inclusive approach to trade, aimed at ensuring that all sectors of 
society can take advantage of the opportunities that flow from trade and investment agreements.  
2.30.   This approach includes stepping up public engagement in t rade policy, seeking provisions in 
our trade agreements to protect and strengthen workers' rights and the environment, promoting 
gender equality and women's empowerment through increased participation in international trade. 
In addition, we are promoting o pportunities for traditionally underrepresented groups, such as small 
and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs) and indigenous peoples, to participate in international trade.  
2.31.   For example, we believe that the link between trade and gender is an important consider ation, 
and that is why Canada has sought gender provisions in our newest FTAs. Canada also has a 
longstanding Business Women in International Trade program - or BWIT - which provides targeted 
support and services to export -ready and export -active women -owned businesses to better exploit 
supplier -diversity and other global commercial opportunities. Over the past decade, more than 
1,500  women -owned businesses have participated in BWIT -led trade missions and initiatives.  
2.32.   Canada is spearheading similar work her e at the WTO, where we actively championed the 
WTO Joint Declaration on Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment, which was endorsed in 
December 2017 by over 120 WTO Members and Observers. In this regard, we were pleased to 
organize the very first workshop, on trade and gender -based analysis, to be held under the auspices 
of the Declaration.  
2.33.   Finally, Canada has committed to ensuring that all of Canada 's international trade and 
investment agreements are subject to a comprehensive analysis of gender impacts th rough Gender 
Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) assessments.  
2.34.   Canada has also prioritized its relationship with Indigenous peoples based on recognition of 
rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership. During the review period, Canada has sought to 
increase the op portunities for Indigenous people to benefit from international trade and investment, 
while preserving their constitutionally protected rights.  
2.35.   Canada has also sought to include SMEs in its inclusive approach to trade. SMEs comprise 
99.7% of Canadian busin esses. However, as of 2017, only 11.7% actively export goods and/or 
services.  
2.36.   Canada aims to boost FTA utilization by SMEs through the inclusion of dedicated SME chapters 
that contain general provisions that recognize the importance of SMEs to the economy  and facilitate 
cooperative activities and information sharing. The CPTPP, CUSMA, and the modernized 
Canada -Israel FTA all contain SME chapters.  
2.37.   Please now allow me to summarize several important trade -related changes to our domestic 
regime since our last  Trade Policy Review. These include Canada 's ratification and accession to 
several important multilateral IP treaties such as the World Intellectual Property Organization 
(WIPO) Marrakesh Treaty and the WIPO Hague Agreement, as well as implementing certain  IP 
provisions in trade agreements like CETA and CPTPP.  
2.38.   Canada has also taken measures to modernize our sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) 
approach, moving towards a more preventive and systems -based approach - which will allow for 
better adaptation to emer ging risks and global and scientific trends – while improving client access 
through electronic services and information on regulatory compliance. And, seeking to avoid barriers 
to trade and the promotion of regulatory cooperation, Canada has set out guidan ce for regulators to 
take into account international trade considerations when reviewing or developing regulations.  
2.39.   Finally, the Canadian Free Trade Agreement, or CFTA, entered into force in July 2017 and 
introduced important advancements to Canada 's inte rnal trade framework that have enhanced the 
flow of goods and services, investment and labour mobility within Canada. The CFTA also better 
aligns Canada 's domestic trade commitments with those in its international agreements, such as 
CETA.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  Conclusion  
2.40.   In conclusion Mr. Chairman, in the face of global uncertainty, the Government of Canada has 
prioritized pursuit of trade diversification and free trade in order to drive continued global economic 
growth, rather than turning inward and retreating to protectionis m. This approach is reflected in 
Canada 's role on WTO reform as well as its successes in pursuing ambitious and comprehensive free 
trade agreements with new partners.  
2.41.   At the heart of Canada 's trade policy is a desire to protect and build global confidence  in the 
benefits of liberalized trade and the multilateral system that supports it, safeguarding the economic 
health of all trading nations.  
2.42.   Canada will continue to work with partners bilaterally and through multilateral forums to build 
the trust and coll aboration needed to solve challenges that matter to all our citizens, so they can 
make the most of the opportunities that come from globalization.  
2.43.   I recognize that many here have questions about our policies. More than 600 questions have 
already been posed to Canada, and we have provided answers to all of them. I expect even more 
questions after opening the floor to all of you here today. I welcome this engagement and your 
valuable contributions to Canada 's review. Thank you.  
  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSS ANT 
3.1.  Thank you very much Mr. Chairman  and good morning to all of you . I would like to start by 
thanking you for inviting me to participate as discussant for this TPR and also in joining you in 
welcoming the Canadian delegation to Geneva led by Ms. Kendal He mbroff, Director General for 
Trade Negotiations. It is also a great pleasure for me to share some remarks on this very important 
and active Member of the WTO in my personal capacity. I would also like to thank both the 
Secretariat and Canada for their repo rts, which provide us with very insightful elements to conduct 
today 's review.  
3.2.  The significance of Canada' s economy and its participation in world trade stands out in many 
ways. With only about 0.5% of the world 's population, it represents five times that figure when it 
comes to world trade with 2.5%, ranking 12th as merchandise exporter and importer. Canada is 
also the 10th largest economy by GDP size, endowed with great abundance of natural resources, 
including for instance 9% of world 's forest, and it is  the 6th largest producer of electricity. Canada 
is a multicultural society with a high standard of living as indicated by the UNDP 's 2018 Human 
Development Index, which ranks it 12th, and it also enjoys a high nominal per -capita income of over 
USD 46,000.  
3.3.  Canada´s overall economic performance during the period under review was favourable . 
Although growth went down to 0.7% in 2015, it bounced back to a higher 3% in 2017, allowing the 
economy to mark its lowest unemployment rate in the last 44 years in 2018,  at 5.8%. Trade plays 
an important role in supporting growth as reflected by the high ratio of trade to GDP at 65%, and 
the significant ratio between trade and employment as one in six jobs are related to exports.  
3.4.  Not surprisingly, Canada continued to pur sue a very ambitious bilateral, regional and 
multilateral trade agenda during the period under review. The implementation of CETA with the EU, 
under provisional application since September 2017; the entry into force of CPTPP for Canada at the 
end of 2018; and the modernization of the Canada -US-Mexico Agreement, yet to enter into force, 
mark important developments that took place during the review period. These agreements are of 
high significance not only as a result of the weight of the trading partners inv olved, but also for the 
institutional and long -term implications of new commitments and disciplines, which I am sure will 
be subject of interest for this Review.  
3.5.  Canada is at the forefront of innovation when it comes to negotiating trade rules, which is 
reflected in its recent FTA negotiations. This includes, for instance, chapters on trade and gender 
and on small and medium size enterprises in some of its amended FTAs. Canada 's interest in these 
topics is also reflected in this House as an active promoter  of dialogue and further understanding of 
these so -called "new issues " at the multilateral level.  
3.6.  The remarkable role of Canada in supporting the multilateral trading system is evidenced in 
various ways. For instance, its ratification of the TFA in December 2016, is complemented by its 
strong support to its implementation, as an important donor to the Trade Facilitation Agreement 
Facility. More recently, it has led the Ottawa Group initiative, an exercise to promote dialogue to 
identify pragmatic way s to enhance the work of the WTO.  
3.7.  Let me now turn to some of the recommendations from previous TPRs as I discuss some of the 
main developments for this review period.  
3.8.  First, I noted that Members suggested Canada to continue its efforts to diversify its ex port 
market destinations and products base. During the review period, the participation of the 
United  States as the main export market and source of Canada´s imports went slightly down from 
76% to 75%; and from 54% to 51% , respectively. On the other hand, the participation of mineral 
fuels and oils on total exports went down from 27% to 22% during the same period, even though 
overall exports grew from CAD  526 billion to CAD  583 billion. It will be interesting to hear further 
about Canada 's additional effort s on this matter as it will be implementing its Export Diversification 
Strategy, announced in November 2018.  
3.9.  The Secretariat 's report notes that increasing competitiveness remains a challenge for Canada 
as it relates to the performance of business labour  productivity. In this regard, the support for 
innovation seems to be key for Canada to continue expanding and diversifying its products base. WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  The launching of the Strategic Innovation Fund in July 2017 represents an interesting and concrete 
initiative to f oster R&D and the promotion of national innovation ecosystems, which I am certain will 
be of interest for Members to learn about.  
3.10.   Concerning foreign direct investment, Canada is among the top sources of FDI around the 
world. According to UNCTAD 's 2017 fig ures, it ranked 7th with investments of about US D 77 billion. 
In contrast, it was the 15th recipient of FDI for the same year with inward investments of 
USD 24 billion. This denotes something mentioned in previous TPRs, related to the possibility for 
Canad a to increase its efforts to attract more foreign direct investment.  
3.11.   The Secretariat´s report notes that most inward FDI restrictions remain. On the other hand, 
the reports also note that Canada has strived to increase the promotion and facilitation for in coming 
FDI. Notably, during the review period "Invest in Canada " was created and the Government 
eliminated the formal approval procedures for many potential investments as a result of the increase 
of investment review threshold levels.  
3.12.   On the issue of FDI  attraction, it might be worth to consider the possible links between 
investment inflows and the ease of doing business. The World Bank´s Ease of Doing Business Report 
for 2019, ranks Canada in position 22. Furthermore, some specific indicators within the index may 
signal areas for consideration regarding the business environment such as trading across borders, 
dealing with construction permits, enforcing contracts and obtaining electricity.  
3.13.   Several important changes took place during the review period in other areas of interest to 
Members as we look back to previous TPRs. In particular, the entry into force of the Canadian Free 
Trade Agreement (CFTA) on 1 July 2017, replacing the Agreement on Internal Trade. As the CFTA 
has been aimed to "reduce and elimin ate, to the extent possible, barriers to the free movement of 
persons, goods, services, and investments within Canada and to establish an open, efficient and 
stable domestic market " it will be very interesting to hear from the Canadian delegation about the  
progress made in achieving these objectives, and how it aligns domestic trade rules with Canada´s 
international obligations.  
3.14.   Also, going back to issues discussed in previous reviews, agriculture stands out when thinking 
about Canada´s international compe titive trading profile as one of the world 's top exporters of a 
wide portfolio of products including beef, soybeans, pork, wheat, canola and pulses. At the same 
time, however, tariffs, subsidies and domestic support, and the use of supply management channe ls, 
in particular for dairy and poultry products, have drawn the attention from Members before and 
continue to be a matter of interest for this TPR. It will be interesting to hear how Canada is addressing 
these concerns as well as any current or further fu ture plans for these sectors.  
3.15.   Finally, it will be of interest to learn how Canada 's updating of its Intellectual Property Laws 
during the review period have strengthened its regulations in this area, and if there are any pending 
issues in its efforts to mo dernize its legislation.  
3.16.   Canada has witnessed a very interesting process of domestic and international changes in the 
last four years in a challenging international environment. Progress has been achieved in areas such 
as the functioning of its internal m arket and a very ambitious trade negotiation agenda. It also 
seems that there is room to continue working on other fronts such as agricultural policy, inward FDI 
and export market diversification. At the multilateral level, Canada has continued to be a str ong 
supporter of the rules -based system as a constructive promoter of dialogue in the search of 
pragmatic approaches to strengthening and improving the functioning of the WTO.  
3.17.   This marks the end of my opening remarks as discussant of Canada 's 11th Trade Po licy 
Review. I would like to thank you again for the opportunity to share these thoughts on the recent 
trade and economic performance of this very important Member of the WTO. Thank you very much.  
  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
SWITZERLAND  
4.1.  Canada appears to be well equipped to deal with the upheavals and uncertainties in the global 
economy. In general, the country's macroeconomic underpinnings are sound. Forecasts for economic 
growth remain positive. Unemployment has fallen and inflation, which has been stable i n recent 
years, has only slightly picked up, possibly as a consequence of the recent depreciation of the real 
exchange rate.  
4.2.  Nevertheless, we see the possibility of destabilization in certain areas. The budgetary position 
– which is healthy at the federal level – could be improved in the provinces, some of which are 
heavily indebted. The situation could worsen as a result of the risks associated with the unpredictable 
housing market burdened by high household debt.  
4.3.  While Canada remains a competitive country  in many sectors, its exporters have recently been 
losing market share. In addition, current trade conflicts are weighing on the Canadian economy, 
which must make a hard push to improve its productivity.  
4.4.  We encourage the Canadian Government to continue on the path of reform. The creation of a 
single window for foreign investors will undoubtedly make Canada more attractive as a location. At 
the same time, foreign direct investments are still subject to restrictions in many sectors. Experience 
gathered by a n umber of countries has demonstrated that sectors open to foreign investment  are 
often more productive than sectors dominated by domestic capital. A more liberal investment regime 
could generate welcome gains in competitiveness.  
4.5.  Canada remains a very import ant partner for Switzerland. My country is the fifth largest foreign 
investor in the land of the maple leaf. The combined investments of Swiss companies in Canada 
amount to 50  billion Swiss francs and support more than 32,000 jobs. Trade in goods has also grown 
vigorously, with trade flows in both directions totalling 6  billion Swiss francs. This rich and varied 
relationship is also the product of Switzerland's free trade agreement with Canada under the 
European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The agreement entered into force in 2009 and work is 
currently under way to update it. Switzerland is interested in bolstering its free trade relations with 
Canada in such a way that they offer added value for all parties.  
4.6.  Canada is an indispensable partner for all of u s at the WTO. We are particularly appreciative of 
the dynamism manifested by its delegation in Geneva under the able leadership of Ambassador de 
Boer. Switzerland commends Canada on its strong commitment to the multilateral trading system. 
This commitment is manifested in particular in the Ottawa initiative to reform and revitalize the 
WTO, in which Switzerland is an active participant. We share Canada's conviction that the WTO must 
retain its role as a fundamental pillar of international trade and economic  development. I should add 
that Canada scrupulously respects its notification obligations, setting an example for all to follow.  
4.7.  Switzerland submitted a number of questions in writing and Canada has responded to them in 
a timely manner, for which we are ve ry grateful. I would like, however, to highlight two aspects that 
concern us. Our attention was drawn to the transfer of 800 tonnes of cheese from the previous tariff 
rate quota registered with the WTO to a quota reserved for the European Union. We have al so taken 
note of the safeguard measures adopted by the Canadian authorities in respect of imports of steel 
products. These measures provide for exemptions for certain countries. We would like to ask Canada 
to clarify the basis on which these exemptions wer e granted.  
4.8.  Before concluding, I would like to underline our appreciation for the attention accorded by the 
Canadian Government's report to the issue of SMEs and their role in international trade. We are also 
pleased to see the topic of e -commerce given suc h prominence in the Secretariat's report.  
4.9.  I thank you, Mr  Chairperson, and I wish the Canadian delegation a productive Trade Policy 
Review.  
  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.10.   Canada plays an important role in world trade and the global economy. Its economy continues 
to grow at a stable rate, driven by strong exports of services and goods, and with a well -diversified 
base of foreign investment. We are pleased to see that the Can adian Government continues to 
pursue an inclusive trade policy focussing on transparency, the environment, SMEs, labour rights, 
gender equality, and the rights of indigenous peoples. Its trade agenda not only sets a good example 
for many of us, but also ta kes the lead in targeting some of the newly -emerging issues of today and 
tomorrow.  
4.11.   Multilaterally, we applaud Canada 's active participation in the WTO, in particular its 
contribution to new initiatives, such as ITA Expansion, trade and gender, and the curr ent debate on 
WTO reform. We are already working closely with Canada on seeking to improve the transparency 
and predictability of Members ' trade policies, and on the big issue of strengthening the deliberative 
function of the WTO.  
4.12.   On the subject of e -Comme rce, Canada, to its credit, has recently introduced relevant laws 
and regulations designed to enhance electronic trade and protect consumers online at the same 
time. We are very willing to collaborate further with Canada in this area, especially on ways of  
developing free and fair trade. On fishery subsidies, we cooperate closely on identifying the 
meaningful obligations and transparency needed for existing international instruments to discipline 
the subsidies that are harmful to sustainability. On agricult ure, Canada 's commitment to eliminating 
its remaining export subsidies by the end of 2020 is much welcomed.  
4.13.   While appreciating these positive achievements, however, there is one concern that I simply 
must raise here, and that is Canada 's continuing active use of trade remedies. Between 2015 and 
2018, the number of anti -dumping measures adopted still increased compared to the previous 
review period. By the end of 2018, there were 83 definitive AD measures (30 more than in 2014) 
and 28 countervailing measures  in place. Over two -thirds of the AD measures were applied on steel 
products. The average length of time that the AD measures were in place was 6.4 years. Many of 
the sunset reviews resulted in continued AD/CV duties. And furthermore, one provisional safeg uard 
measure on steel products was also in place. Our hope is that Canada will minimise its recourse to 
such trade remedies in the future, and work on more credible rules to resolve the issues that work 
to the benefit of industries and consumers alike.  
4.14.   I would just like to add, for information, that we have long enjoyed a growing and fruitful 
partnership with Canada in many areas of trade and investment. We are Canada 's 13th largest 
trading partner globally, and its 5th in Asia. Bilateral trade between us i ncreased by over 17% in 
2018, and the product mix is highly complementary.  
4.15.   In the face of the current international economic and trade situation, we look forward to 
strengthening that economic cooperation even further in the future - bilaterally, plurilate rally, and 
multilaterally.  
4.16.   We raised some advance written questions to Canada on a range of sectors and we would like 
to thank Canada for its replies to these questions. Finally, we wish Canada a successful 11th Trade 
Policy Review.  
NORWAY  
4.17.   Let me start by underlining that Norway appreciates our close and long-standing  cooperation 
with Canada in the WTO. Canada has always been a key player in shaping the multilateral trading 
system. In the current situation with tendencies towards protectionism and managed t rade, we 
strongly appreciate Canada 's active engagement to strengthen and modernize the WTO.  
4.18.   In particular, Norway would like to commend Canada 's leadership in the Ottawa Group. This 
group consists of 13 WTO Members, including Norway, working together to s afeguard the multilateral 
rules-based  trading system and to ensure a relevant, dynamic, and well-functioning  WTO through 
meaningful modernization.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.19.   Bilaterally Norway and Canada enjoy a strong trade relationship that benefits both countries. 
The current fl ow of Norway -Canada trade is mainly concentrated in the energy and mining sector. 
Canada 's main imports from Norway are petroleum products, raw oil and ferro magnesium, while 
Canada 's main exports are nickel mattes, copper and raw oil.   
4.20.   There is a potenti al for expansion of services and investment activities across a diverse range 
of industries, particularly in the high -tech, health and energy sectors. Long -term business 
development will be facilitated by joint efforts in research and innovation, and elimi nating residual 
barriers to trade and investments. There is also a large number of Norwegian companies established 
in Canada, most notably in the marine, maritime and defence industries, in addition to the oil, gas 
and supply industries.  
4.21.   Let me also add t hat the Norwegian Pension Fund Global by the end of 2018 had invested 
close to USD 28 billion in Canada. These investments include equity investment in more than 
210 companies in a wide range of industries, as well as fixed income holdings.  
4.22.   We note that d uring the review period, Canada has pursued several bilateral and plurilateral 
trade agreements, most notably the CPTPP and CETA agreements. The 2017 CETA ratification also 
demonstrates the need for modernizing the agreement between Canada and the countrie s of the 
European Free Trade Association (EFTA).   
4.23.   Canada is an important fisheries nation and we value highly our excellent cooperation in the 
field of fisheries. Canada is an active participant in the WTO fisheries subsidies negotiations. We 
hope that No rway and Canada will continue to work closely together in order to contribute to the 
successful conclusion of the negotiations by the end of 2019. We should also take advantage of our 
work in the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy to support the negotiations.   
4.24.   Norway would like to commend Canada 's active engagement and promotion of gender 
equality, both in the WTO and in free trade agreements. We encourage other WTO Members to follow 
suit, since reducing barriers to female participation in tr ade has a positive effect on income and 
gender equality.  
4.25.   Norway and Canada share the same concern regarding the negative effects of inefficient fossil 
fuels subsidies, and we are both interested in reducing those types of subsidies. Norway calls upon 
Canada to take active part in the discussion here in the WTO a imed at achieving ambitious and 
effective disciplines on inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.  
4.26.   In closing I would like to emphasi ze that Norway is looking forward to further enhancing our 
cooperation with Canada on trade related issues, including through dis cussions of ways to strengthen 
and moderni ze the WTO.  
MEXICO 
4.27.   Canada has an economy that is open and focused on foreign trade, with trade flows accounting 
for 65% of its GDP, and this has enabled it to weather the recent crises and steer clear of 
protection ism. 
4.28.   Between 2015 and 2018, the Canadian economy regained its momentum. After weak growth 
in the first half of that period, due to falling oil prices, it underwent strong growth from mid -2016 
thanks to the adoption of monetary and fiscal stimulus policies.  The unemployment rate is at its 
lowest level, inflation has been kept under control and the population is enjoying a high standard of 
living.  
4.29.   We commend Canada's trade policy, which has set as its key priorities diversification of its 
international trade and foreign direct investment, along with the charting of an inclusive approach, 
focusing on transparency, the environment, micro, small and medium -sized enterprises, and gender 
and indigenous issues.  
4.30.   We stress the importance for Canada of continuing its e fforts to open up trade and to take 
advantage of the opportunities afforded by its 14 free trade agreements with 51 countries. While WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  dependence on its largest trading partner has decreased, it is still a factor, with more than half of 
its imports and three  quarters of its exports going to the United States between 2014 and 2018.  
4.31.   We also recognize Canada's efforts to remedy the shortcomings in its interprovincial trade 
and we note, in particular, that the gains achieved under the Canadian Free Trade Agreemen t 
present opportunities to boost productivity, encourage innovation and improve the harmonization of 
regulations with international obligations. According to IMF estimates, if these barriers are 
surmounted through a collective and concerted effort, real GD P could be augmented by almost  4%. 
4.32.   We applaud Canada's liberalization efforts in trade in goods, which has translated into most 
favoured nation (MFN) duty -free conditions for 70.4% of tariff lines. We note, however, that 
protection is being kept in place f or the agricultural sector, with higher tariffs and tariff peaks, for 
such sectors as livestock and livestock products, milk and dairy products, and cereals.  
4.33.   Where trade facilitation is concerned, the measures implemented during the review period are 
condu cive to increased automation and accelerated customs clearance. It should be noted, however, 
that, during the period 2015 –19, Canada fell from 16th to 22nd place in the World Bank's ease of 
doing business index and experienced an even more drastic decline in the area of cross -border trade, 
where it dropped from 23rd to 50th place.  
4.34.   We recognize the importance in the Canadian economy of the services sector, which accounts 
for more than 70% of GDP. With regard to the financial sector, we commend Canada for having 
relaxed federal regulations, thus allowing its financial institutions to expand their business activities. 
In the telecommunications sector, measures to deploy the 5G standard, along with the launching of 
consultations to amend the Telecommunication Act and the Broadcasting Act, are clear signs of 
Canada's commitment to meeting  the demands of an expanding digital economy.  
4.35.   Canada is an important trading partner to Mexico, constituting our second largest export 
market and the world's 20th largest supplier.  
4.36.   Recently, the two countries signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreem ent for 
Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and we updated our regional trade treaty, the Canada -United 
States -Mexico Agreement. Both agreements have far -reaching trade disciplines that will 
unquestionably enable us to continue strengthening our integration and trade relationship, and will 
provide us with more tools to tackle the current trade challenges that the region and the international 
economic environment are placing before us.  
4.37.   I cannot conclude without first congratulating Canada for being one of the Members with the 
best track record in the area of notifications. We applaud its commitment to the multilateral trading 
system, as evidenced by its active and constructive leadership in the WTO reform process, through 
the Ottawa Group and in the various ini tiatives to improve and modernize the WTO.  
4.38.   Lastly, I thank Canada for its answers to the questions put forward by my delegation and wish 
it every success in the present Review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.39.   Let me begin by congratulating Canada on its sound economic performance over the last few 
years. Canada 's economy has been operating at near capacity amidst the lowest unemployment rate 
in 40 years as well as low inflation. As an open economy that depends significantly on international 
trade, Canada is wel l placed to appreciate the value of a predictable international trading 
environment.  
4.40.   We fully share Canada 's dedication to upholding and strengthening the rules -based 
multilateral trading system in the current time of trouble. Canada is a reliable, commit ted partner in 
our shared endeavour to keep the WTO relevant and moderni ze it so that it can "continue to provide 
a platform for economic growth through trade ", as the Canadian Government report puts it. We 
appreciate Canada 's initiative to advance discuss ions on WTO modernisation in the so -called Ottawa 
Group, in which the EU is a participant. We also value Canada 's concrete contributions to 
safeguarding the dispute settlement system, improving the WTO 's monitoring function and WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  advancing rulemaking in the ongoing negotiations on e -commerce and fisheries subsidies, amongst 
others.  
4.41.   Further, the EU commends Canada for its efforts to ensure that trade is not only open, but 
inclusive. Governments must indeed work to ensure that the benefits of trade are accessib le to all 
citizens, and the EU and Canada are showing leadership in this regard also in the framework of 
CETA, the EU -Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, by enhancing the 
participation of SMEs in trade, women 's economic empowerment and the i mplementation of the Paris 
Agreement on Climate Change.  
4.42.   The EU is Canada 's second largest trading partner after the United States both for goods 
(absorbing 7% of Canadian exports and accounting for 12% of imports) and for services (accounting 
for 17% of Ca nada's exports and 19% of its imports).  
4.43.   At the time of Canada 's eleventh Trade Policy Review, the trade ties between the EU and 
Canada are closer than ever. 2018 was the first full year in which CETA was provisionally applied. 
While this is a short time f rom the perspective of statistics, we are pleased to note that bilateral 
trade flows are increasing compared to the average of the previous three years. The institutional 
structure of CETA is up and running, the ratification process in the EU is ongoing an d our focus is 
now on implementing CETA as a progressive agreement promoting open, rules -based trade and 
delivering mutually beneficial outcomes.  
4.44.   Certain obstacles to trade can persist even in an open trading economy. In the case of Canada, 
the obstacles that EU operators encounter are concentrated almost fully in the agri -food sector. 
Several of the EU 's written questions focused on this sector, for example:  
• The management and protection of the milk and dairy sector;  
• The alcohol sale and distribution prac tices at both federal and provincial level;  
• The enforcement of protection for Geographical Indications; and  
• The review of Canada 's tariff rate quota management system.  
4.45.   More broadly, we also addressed questions to Canada in order to better understand the 
potential systemic effects of certain new CUSMA provisions, for example with regard to rules of 
origin.  
4.46.   We thank Canada for having chosen the alternative timeframe again, which has allowed us to 
review Canada 's replies to our questions ahead of the meeting.  
4.47.   The European Union looks forward to continuing our close cooperation with Canada on our 
shared goal to leverage trade for more prosperity, both in the context of CETA implementation and 
WTO reform.  
4.48.   On behalf of the EU, I wish Canada a productive and succ essful review.  
UNITED  STATES  
4.49.   Canada is a neighbour  and key trading partner, and its trade regime continues to be of keen 
interest to the United States. The United States is by far Canada 's number one trading partner, 
accounting for 75.1 % of Canada 's merchandise goods exports and over half of its goods imp orts, as 
noted in the Secretariat 's report. Goods and services trade between Canada and the United States 
totalled  USD 714.1 billion in 2018, with a total U.S. trade surplus of USD 7.0 billion. In 2018, goods 
exports from the United States to Canada totalled USD 298.7 billion and imports reached 
USD 318.5  billion, yielding a U.S. goods trade deficit of USD 19.8 billion with Canada.  
4.50.   The United States is proud of the longstanding and broad trading relationship between our 
countries. The U.S. -Canada Free Trade  Agreement entered into force in 1989 and was succeeded by 
the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994. These agreements have brought the benefits 
of increased cooperation and decreased barriers to trade to both of our economies over the past WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  30 years. However, in more than two decades since its entry into force, the NAFTA had become 
outdated, had failed to deliver its expected benefits, and was in need of substantial updating.  
4.51.   Since Canada 's last Trade Policy Review, the United States entered into n egotiations with  
4.52.   Canada and Mexico seeking to modernize and rebalance the NAFTA. The United 
States -Mexico -Canada Agreement (USMCA), signed on 30 November 2018, is a comprehensive 
overhaul of the NAFTA and a high -standard trade agreement that will promote fairer and more 
balanced trade between our countries. The USMCA modernizes the NAFTA to include 21st century 
standards in key areas such as digital trade and intellectual property, and it lowers barriers to trade 
in services. The USMCA is a notable  achievement for the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and 
the United States looks forward to working together on implementing ambitious commitments 
undertaken in the Agreement.  
4.53.   In addition, we commend Canada for its constructive efforts at the WTO  — alongside a diverse 
group of co -sponsors  — to advance our proposal to improve Members ' compliance with their existing 
notification obligations.  
4.54.   Despite these positive developments, the United States has some specific concerns to raise 
in this Review.  
4.55.   The Unite d States views the enforcement of intellectual property rights as an important tool 
to foster creative industries, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and to fuel economic growth. As 
such, the United States is interested to know more about the ongoing parlia mentary review of the 
Copyright Act and the recent reforms to the Copyright Board. The United States also will monitor 
Canada 's implementation of the USMCA 's IP provisions and looks forward to working closely with 
Canada in the coming year to address prior ity IP issues.  
4.56.   Additionally, as noted in Canada 's previous Trade Policy Review, trade in agricultural products 
continues to be an important component of our trading relationship. The United States encourages 
Canada to review its agricultural policies that impose excessive tariffs and restrict imports of 
supply -managed dairy, poultry, and egg products. Reducing barriers to trade would benefit 
consumers in Canada and help increase the competitiveness of Canadian industries. Further, the 
United States would al so underscore the importance of transparency in dairy pricing policies and any 
new assistance to dairy farmers and processors, so that Members can be assured of Canada 's 
compliance with its WTO commitments.  
4.57.   As Canada 's largest trading partner, we share a s trong interest in Canada 's growth and 
prosperity. The United States appreciates the opportunity to engage in this dialogue and looks 
forward to continued work with Canada, both bilaterally and within the WTO.  
CHILE  
4.58.   Chile sets high store by its bilateral relationship with Canada. In the 78 years of our diplomatic 
relations, ties have developed between us on the basis of our shared values in the international 
arena, in such areas as human rights, freedom, democracy, respect for international law a nd the 
defence of multilateralism.  
4.59.   Our two countries perceive each other as like -minded countries, a perception which translates 
into shared visions and initiatives in a number of multilateral forums.  
4.60.   We are close partners not only in the United Nations, b ut also in the Asia -Pacific Economic 
Cooperation forum (APEC), the Organization of American States (OAS) and, of course, in this house.  
4.61.   In addition, we are working together to expand opportunities and regional trade integration 
in the Pacific, in the conte xt of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific 
Partnership (CPTPP). Since 2018, we have also formed part of the inclusive trade action group, 
together with New Zealand.  
4.62.   Our bilateral relationship is based on two pillars: the 2007 Strat egic Partnership Framework 
Agreement, which broadens and deepens collaboration in priority sectors such as sustainable WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  development, education and agriculture, among others; and the 1997 Free Trade Agreement (FTA). 
The latter marked an important milestone i n Chile's trade policy, as it was the first trade agreement 
signed with a developed country. After Mexico, it was the second signed with a member of NAFTA.  
4.63.   The initial agreement covered not only trade in goods, but also in services, investment, the 
environ ment, and labour issues.  
4.64.   The FTA with Canada has been updated and modernized with, among other measures, the 
incorporation of a chapter on public procurement (2009), the signing of an agreement amending the 
FTA (2012), which incorporates a chapter on finan cial services, along with a series of modifications 
to different disciplines of the Agreement, and lastly, in 2017, with the incorporation of chapters on 
technical barriers to trade, sanitary and phytosanitary measures and a chapter on gender and trade, 
which entered into force this year.  
4.65.   Canada is an important investment partner of Chile, occupying second place in terms of 
foreign direct investment (FDI) stock primarily targeting, among other areas, mining, chemical 
industry and energy.  
4.66.   Where the present r eview is concerned, we welcome Canada's moderate GDP growth, low 
inflation, the relatively stable federal government debt -to-GDP ratio, its declining current account 
deficit and the depreciation of the real exchange rate. We are pleased to see that Canada has shown 
a measure of resilience and consistency in its international trade policy that has allowed it to maintain 
its good economic performance.  
4.67.   Interestingly, Canada has focused its efforts on diversifying international trade and FDI and 
applying an inc lusive approach to trade, focusing on transparency, labour rights, the environment, 
small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), gender issues and indigenous peoples.  
4.68.   We remain concerned, however, that, in an open economy which is working to prevent new 
protectionist measures, it continues to provide significant subsidies and incentives to its national 
industry, according to the Secretariat report, and these subsidies are replicated at the federal, 
provincial and local levels.  
4.69.   This is particularly evident in the fishing and wine sectors. We therefore believe it would be 
valuable for Canada to consider reducing and eventually eliminating forms of support that could 
contribute to distorting international trade.  
4.70.   In other respects, we are struck by the increase in  and intensive use of trade defence 
measures during the period under review. To be more precise, 45 anti -dumping investigations and 
28 countervailing duty investigations, according to the Secretariat report.  
4.71.   Beyond these specific points, it is clear that C anada is making an active contribution in this 
house and sharing a common vision with regard to the liberalization of international trade, within 
the multilateral framework constituted by the WTO.  
4.72.   Among us, Canada is contributing to the quest for clarity a nd understanding in these difficult 
times in the Organization's history, and to the promotion of world trade and multilateralism through 
its creative proposals. In this context, through its leadership in the Ottawa Group, it has played an 
outstanding role in the discussions on the reforms and modernization of this house.  
4.73.   In conclusion, within the framework of this review, Chile wishes Canada every success.  
ICELAND  
4.74.   It is a particular pleasure to take part in the trade policy review of Canada today. Iceland a nd 
Canada enjoy a very long and deep historical relationship. One could say that our history goes back 
all the way to the year 1000 when Iceland born Leifur Eiríksson landed in Newfoundland and became 
thus the first European to put foot on the American con tinent. Centuries later, in the period from 
1870 and until the first world war, almost quarter of the Icelandic population emigrated to Canada, 
escaping from poverty. The connection with Iceland is particularly strong in Manitoba where some 
people still sp eak Icelandic.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.75.   In fact , our President, Mr. Guðni Th. Jóhannesson and the First Lady, Ms. Eliza Reid, visited 
Canada last month to celebrate our historic connections. Perhaps I could say that our president has 
also personally contributed much to furthering  the good connections with Canada, as his wife, the 
first lady, is herself Canadian.   
4.76.   Our economic relationship is also strong. With our EFTA partners we concluded a free trade 
agreement with Canada that I took part in negotiating, and that was signed in 2008. We are currently 
exploring a possible modernisation and expansion of the agreement and where I  have the pleasure 
of being the spokesperson on behalf of the EFTA countries. Our bilateral trade figures show that over 
the last five years we se en an average 22% growth rate in imports into Iceland and 33% growth in 
exports from Iceland to Canada.  
4.77.   Iceland wants to commend Canada for their leadership in upholding and working to protect 
and safeguard the multilateral trading system and the important  role they continue to play in WTO 
reform.  
4.78.   Iceland and Canada work closely together in Geneva on this front, and particularly in the field 
of inclusive trade and trade and gender. To date 127 WTO Members and Observers support the Joint 
Declaration on Trade  and Women 's Economic Empowerment that was launched at the 11th 
Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires. Canada played a key role in championing the declaration and 
is a very active member of the Trade Impact Working Group that was established under the aus pices 
of the International Gender Champions - Geneva, that is co -chaired by Botswana, Iceland and the 
ITC.  
4.79.   Here at the WTO Canada has led some initiatives such as on domestic regulation that aim to 
ensure that women are not discriminated against in the fi eld of services trade.  
4.80.   Canada is a pioneer in the field of trade and gender, having negotiated particular trade and 
gender chapters both in the moderni zed Canada -Chile and Canada -Israel FTAs and working actively 
on advancing inclusive trade in other agreements and negotiations. It is interesting to learn of the 
experience of Canada on this front through the report and the answers to our advance written 
questions.  
4.81.   Among other interesting information provided on this front are the particular administrat ive 
obstacles for women -led SMEs, such as border obstacles, logistical obstacles, market knowledge 
issues, IPR issues, lack of finance of inadequate cash -flow and financial risks were discovered both 
in and outside Canada. The Gender Based Analysis Plus is  also an interesting tool that is useful to 
learn about. These are just some of the examples of the interesting information provided by Canada 
on trade and gender and on efforts to ensure inclusive trade.  
4.82.   Canada has a very interesting experience to share and we thank Canada for the detailed 
information in their report and the answers to our questions and to the many other members that 
sent questions on the inclusive trade aspects. The answers are very useful as we implement the 
Joint Declaration and gather  best practices, which we will present at MC12.  
4.83.   Iceland appreciates Canada 's very active engagement in the WTO and their continued support 
and efforts to safeguard, strengthen and reinforce the multilateral trading system. We wish the 
delegation of Canada every success for their eleventh trade policy review.  
COLOMBIA  
4.84.   Over the period under review, the Canadian economy exhibited a balanced economic 
performance that is reflected in indicators such as moderate GDP growth, low inflation, stable 
debt-to-GDP ratio s, and a balance of payments current account deficit below 3.6%. In 2017, Canada 
became the 10th largest economy in the world and the 12th largest exporter and importer of goods.  
4.85.   Where foreign trade is concerned, Canada has a relatively diversified export basket. We take 
a positive view of the decrease in fuels, oils and minerals, the country's main exports, as a share of 
total merchandise exports, which between 2014 and 2018 dropped from 27% to 22%, partly because 
of the fall in world prices. We draw atten tion to the growth in the total amount of exports from WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  Canada, from CAD  526.8  billion in 2014 to CAD  583 billion in 2018, and to the signs of a lower 
concentration of exports.  
4.86.   With regard to the geographical distribution of trade in goods, the high depende nce on the 
United States market persists, representing 75.1% of exports and 51% of imports for the period 
under review. We noted, however, that, unlike in the previous Review, where there was an increase 
of approximately 3 percentage points (pp) in both ex ports and imports to and from that trading 
partner, over the period of the current Review this trend was corrected by a drop of 1.7 pp in exports 
and 3 pp in imports.  
4.87.   Among the issues that, in our view, present both challenges and opportunities for Canada,  
and that have already been highlighted by some delegations, we would like to highlight the following:  
• The new Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) is a cause both of curiosity and some 
concern. Its main objective is "to reduce and eliminate, to the extent  possible, barriers to the 
free movement of persons, goods, services, and investments within Canada; as far as 
possible, obstacles to the free movement of persons, goods, services and investments within 
Canada and to establish an open, efficient, and stabl e domestic market". This objective is 
customary when talking about two or more countries, but, given the specific features of the 
structure of the Canadian Government, we understand that it is much more ambitious than 
the previous Agreement on Internal Tra de. 
 
• Where foreign direct investment (FDI) is concerned, Colombia welcomes the raising of the net 
benefit review thresholds under the Investment Canada Act, the introduction of new national 
security transparency and the creation of the Invest in Canada Hub . Restrictions remain in 
place, however, on investment in sectors of interest such as mining, telecommunications, 
fisheries, transport and cultural activities, and we believe that these could be liberalized in the 
future.  
 
• In the agricultural sector, measu res that affect trade and distort competition persist. This 
applies, in particular, to sectors where domestic production is subject to supply regulation 
such as dairy products, poultry and eggs.  
 
4.88.   Moving on to bilateral trade relations, these are framed in the Trade Promotion Agreement 
between Colombia and Canada, in force since 2011 and complemented by the Labour Cooperation 
Agreement and the Environmental Cooperation Agreement. This trade consists primarily of 
Colombian exports of mining and energy goods. Exports of non -mining energy goods have also 
strengthened in recent years, however, largely in products such as coffee, flowers and metals. 
Canada's FDI in Colombia has increased since the Agreement came into force, reaching a historic 
peak in 2016 of USD  2.187  billion. Over this period, Canada has been the principal investor in 
Colombia, manifested by the investments of the Canadian firm Brookfield, for the generation and 
commercialization of energy. At the end of 2018, Canadian investment in Colombia amou nted to 
USD 631 million.  
4.89.   Lastly, on the bilateral issue, we would like to highlight the exponential growth in tourism 
between our two countries. Visits to Colombia by Canadians and to Canada by Colombians rose from 
88,000 to 128,000 during the period under  review. These flows were characterized by almost equal 
proportions of travellers from both countries. We hope that the benefits of this Agreement can be 
broadened and deepened through cooperation in the area of trade.  
4.90.   To conclude, we would like to highlig ht the work that Canada has been doing to strengthen 
the multilateral trade system. Among other things, Canada is an active Member in the different 
negotiating groups, taking a leadership role in the technical discussions on domestic support in 
agriculture , and the implementation of the commitments entered into under the Information 
Technology Agreement (ITA) Expansion and the promotion of women's participation in trade. Lastly, 
we highlight Canada's leadership in the Ottawa Group in efforts to tackle the s pecific challenges 
confronting the multilateral trading system.  
  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  AUSTRALIA  
4.91.   Australia values its close partnership with Canada. Working together, Australia and Canada 
have an important role to play in addressing common global economic challenges.  
4.92.   In this regard, we welcome Canada 's efforts towards WTO reform through its leadership of 
the Ottawa Group. Canada has helped take forward reform issues at the WTO in a tangible manner, 
and Australia looks forward to continuing with these effort s alongside Canada.  
4.93.   Australia appreciates Canada 's active participation in the Cairns Group, and its leadership in 
the agriculture negotiations. Canada remains a driving force on agriculture and Australia looks 
forward to working closely together to delive r meaningful agricultural trade reform at MCI 2.  
4.94.   We also welcome Canada 's support for negotiations on new rules for e -commerce and services 
domestic regulation. We will work with Canada to progress the development of new trade rules in 
these areas, where t echnological change is set to open up new trade opportunities.  
4.95.   Canada is also active in broadening participation in international trade. We commend Canada 
for its focus on Gender participation and its support for MSMEs both in its FTAs and at the WTO 
throu gh its involvement in the WTO 's Informal Working Group on MSMEs and the Joint Declaration 
on Trade and Women 's Economic Empowerment.  
4.96.   As the Secretariat 's report notes, Canada is exemplary in meeting its notification 
requirements. There is room for improvem ent in Agriculture, where Canada 's most recent domestic 
support notification is for 2015. We also look forward to receiving  
4.97.   Canada 's notification of its fisheries subsidies, noting the 30 June deadline for subsidy 
notifications.  
4.98.   Australia and Canada enjoy a strong trade and investment relationship. Our bilateral trade in 
goods and services reached A$6.9 billion in 2017. Canada 's stable investment environment has also 
attracted significant investment from Australia. Canada is now the seventh largest destinat ion for 
Australian investment, valued at A$77.3 billion in 2018.  
4.99.   Our trade and investment relationship will grow stronger through the  Comprehensive and 
Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). We are pleased the CPTPP has entered 
into force for both Australia and Canada on 30 December 2018, highlighting our shared commitment 
to rules -based trade and strengthening economic cooperation in our region.  
4.100.    We also welcome Canada 's work to expand its network of WTO -consistent trade 
agreements. I n particular, we welcome the conclusion of negotiations on the Canada -United States -
Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA) and encourage early ratification and implementation.  
4.101.   Australia 's concerns with discriminatory measures effecting the sale of wine in Canada a re 
well known. Australia was pleased to reach an agreement with Canada, which will see the elimination 
of discriminatory measures impacting the sale of Australian wine in British Columbia. While we will 
continue to pursue our other concerns through the pro ceedings already underway, Australia remains 
open to resolving these concerns outside the WTO dispute settlement process if possible.  
4.102.   Australia takes a close interest in certain Canadian agricultural measures, specifically the 
supply -management system cove ring dairy, eggs and poultry. Reforms to these sectors are needed, 
to not only ensure the long -term competitiveness of Canadian producers, but also as further 
demonstration of Canada 's commitment to global agricultural trade reform.  
4.103.   Finally, we thank Canad a for its replies to our written questions, and we will review them 
carefully.  
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  RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.104.   The Russian delegation welcomes the 11th Trade Policy Review of Canada. We are pleased 
to be a part of the current monitoring exercise and fully support thi s important mechanism, which 
enables us to exchange views on the trade policy of the WTO Members.  
4.105.   We commend Canada on the continuous growth of its economy with a robust rate of 1.8% 
in 2018 accompanied by low inflation, a relatively stable federal government debt -to-GDP ratio and 
declining current account deficit. These trends demonstrate that Canada 's focus on diversifying 
international trade and foreign direct investment has paid off.  
4.106.   Russia notes Canada 's strong commitment to the multilateral tra ding system, the country 's 
active participation in the regular work of the WTO committees, negotiations, dispute settlement, 
monitoring and plurilateral initiatives. We hope that Canada -led «Ottawa Group» will contribute 
positively to the WTO reform proces s by paving the way for a more effective Organization fostering 
growth in the interests of all Members.  
4.107.   On the bilateral track, over the years the Russian Federation and Canada have been 
developing broad cooperation in many areas, including mining, oil and  gas, automotive components, 
aerospace and others. Unfortunately, since 2014 the Canadian authorities undertook a series of 
steps aimed at cutting ties with Russia. Ottawa imposed sanctions against Russian individuals and 
legal entities more than 17 times (as of February 2018 visa and financial restrictions extend to 
160 Russian citizens and 80 organizations). All activity of the Intergovernmental Economic 
Commission, established in 1995, has been frozen.  
4.108.   We remain deeply concerned with these unilateral tra de restrictive measures imposed by 
Canada against the Russian Federation due to non -economic reasons. In this respect, we would like 
to express our regrets and disappointment with the escalation of anti -Russian political rhetoric of 
Ottawa, which brings no thing but harm to both sides including mutual economic, trade and 
investment losses. Trade between our countries has greatly suffered. As an illustration, in 
January -February 2018 bilateral trade has shrunk by 35,6 % compared with the corresponding 
period in 2017 – USD 157,7 million against USD 244,9 million. Obviously, this volume of trade is far 
behind the existing economic potential of the Russian -Canadian bilateral ties.  
4.109.   The Russian Federation reiterates its request to Canada to bring its measures in li ne with 
the Canadian obligations under the WTO Agreements and to lift all unfounded restrictive measures 
immediately.  
4.110.   During this review, Russia has submitted a number of questions regarding some regional 
trade agreements that Canada is participating in, as well as the functioning of the "Ottawa Group ". 
We thank the Canadian delegation for the answers provided.  
4.111.   In conclusion, we would like to thank you, Mr. Chairman, the delegation of Canada, the 
Secretariat and the Discussant, for the valuable work done during this TPR.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.112.   Canada is a key trading partner of Hong Kong, China (HKC). In 2018, Canada was our 4th 
largest trading partner in terms of trade in goods in the Americas (just after the United States, 
Mexico and Brazil). We have long been  enjoying robust bilateral trade relations, strong social ties 
and great friendship with Canada.  
4.113.   The Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement signed between Hong Kong and 
Canada, which entered into force in September 2016, has added impetus to our bilateral investment 
flows by giving additional assurance to investors. As at the end of 2017, our bilateral direct 
investment increased by 22%, on a year -on-year basis, amounted to US D17.9 billion 
(CAD 23.3 billion). We look forward to further fostering o ur bilateral economic relations.  
4.114.   We welcome Canada 's pledge in the Government Report on its commitment to international 
trade and the rules -based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  its core; and to prioritize pursuit of  trade diversification and free trade to drive continued global 
economic growth, rather than turning inward and retreating to protectionism.  
4.115.   Indeed, HKC shares Canada 's concern about the rise in protectionism, which has taken the 
form of rising trade rest rictive measures and unilateral actions that hinder and restrict international 
trade.  
4.116.   HKC looks forward to working with Canada together and championing global trade 
liberalisation, as both HKC and Canada are staunch supporters of the multilateral trading s ystem, 
and we embrace the system as the cornerstone of our trade policies. With the common interests we 
share, we look forward to continuously working closely with Canada on this important cause.  
4.117.   Services sectors continue to be the driving force of Canada 's economy, accounting for 70% 
of its GDP. We are pleased to note that during the review period, Canada has undertaken a number 
of trade facilitating measures. For example, the maximum percentage of foreign voting interests in 
Canadian air carriers has bee n increased; and all ships regardless of flag or ownership are now 
allowed to reposition their owned or leased empty containers in Canada on a non -revenue basis 
without a coasting trade licence. We look forward to Canada 's continued efforts to facilitate a nd 
liberalise its services trade.  
4.118.   We commend Canada 's continuous efforts in rolling out new initiatives to facilitate trade 
since the last Review, such as the Single Window Initiative.  We look forward to Canada 's furthering 
of its trade facilitation effo rts, which will lead to enhanced trade flows to the benefit of both Canada 
and its trading partners.  
4.119.   On tariff, we are pleased to see that 70.4% of its imports (2019) now enters into Canada 
duty free, compared with 67% in 2014, mainly as a result of the el imination of import duties under 
the expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and on certain imported ingredients 
used in the agri -food processing industry. Nevertheless, tariffs applied on agricultural products 
remain considerably higher th an those on non -agricultural goods. In 2019, the average applied tariff 
rate on agricultural products is 21.8%, compared with 2.5% on non -agricultural products. We 
encourage Canada to consider further liberalising the tariff lines, which will bring substan tial benefits 
to Canadian consumers.  
4.120.   It is noted that Canada has increasingly deployed anti -dumping (AD) and countervailing 
duties (CVD) measures. For instance, there were 83 definitive AD measures and 28 CVD measures 
in place as of 31 December 2018, compa red with 53 AD and 17 CVD measures reported in the last 
Review for December 2014. Besides, Canada implemented in October 2018 preliminary global 
safeguard measures on seven steel products for 200 days, pending an inquiry by the Canadian 
International Trade  Tribunal into whether more long-lasting  safeguards are necessary, while the 
previous safeguard inquiry dated back to as far as 2005.  
4.121.   We would urge Canada to exercise restraints and caution in initiating any AD/CVD 
investigations and other enforcement tool s to guard against any abusive use, and seriously review 
the necessity of the trade remedy measures, especially those that would remain in place for a long 
period of time.  
4.122.   Canada is an important trading partner of HKC. We look forward to further fostering the 
bilateral trade, economic and investment relations with Canada. I would like to thank Canada for its 
replies to our written questions, which we will review carefully. HKC wishes Canada a very successful 
Trade Policy Review . 
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.123.   New Zealand welcomes the opportunity to participate in this eleventh Trade Policy Review 
of Canada.  
4.124.   New Zealand and Canada share a commitment to the multilateral rules -based trading 
system, and Canada is an active and constructive Member. In particular, we com mend Canadian 
leadership to defend, modernise and strengthen the WTO including through its chairing of the Ottawa 
Group on WTO Reform.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.125.   This is Canada 's first review since the entry into force of the Comprehensive and Progressive 
Agreement for Trans -Pacifi c Partnership, Canada 's first FTA with New Zealand, and its accompanying 
Joint Declaration on Progressive and Inclusive Trade between Canada, New Zealand and Chile.  
4.126.   Consistent with this Declaration, New Zealand and Canada have a common commitment to 
ensur ing that the benefits of trade liberalisation are shared more widely amongst our communities, 
including women, indigenous peoples, rural communities and SMEs. Over the past year we have 
jointly participated in a range of activities to promote the benefits of inclusive trade at the WTO and 
other fora. We welcome our shared participation in Joint Statement initiatives launched at Buenos 
Aires on women 's economic empowerment, MSMEs, services domestic regulation, and investment 
facilitation as well as the e -commerce negotiations now under way.  
4.127.   On the multilateral agenda, New Zealand welcomes and values Canada 's commitment to a 
successful conclusion of the fisheries subsidies negotiations by December 2019 as instructed by 
Ministers, and in order to fulfil SDG 14. 6. 
4.128.   As Members committed to advancing trade liberalisation and its development, trade, and 
environmental benefits, we look forward to continuing to work together for a substantive package 
of outcomes, including an outcome on agriculture domestic support, fr om the 12th WTO Ministerial 
Conference in 2020.  
4.129.   It is nevertheless disappointing to see Canada 's continuing protection of its dairy sector, 
particularly the implementation of new domestic dairy policies that have artificially reduced the 
prices of Canadia n skim milk powder to below the prevailing world price by lowering production 
costs. This has dramatically increased Canadian skim milk powder production and exports, and 
effectively displaced dairy exports from other more competitive dairy exporters. The expansion of 
milk classes has received a significant amount of attention over the years, in previous trade policy 
reviews as well as in the Committee on Agriculture. We anticipate and encourage satisfactory 
resolution of this issue once the United States -Mexico-Canada Agreement enters into force.  
4.130.   New Zealand 's broader concerns relating to the supply management system and national 
treatment of certain imported products remain. As the Secretariat Report outlines, despite an 
estimated overall decline in Canad a's PSE, the PSE for dairy products remain substantial and steady. 
Canada 's PSE in aggregate averaged only 9% in 2015 -17, however, commodities subject to supply 
management averaged 69%. It is well understood that such subsidisation can only have a negative  
distortionary effect on trade.  
4.131.   The differentiation in Canada 's approach to its dairy sector, versus other agriculture sectors, 
is also reflected in the fact that, according to the Secretariat 's report, its average applied tariff rate 
on agricultural produ cts is 21.8%, however, dairy products specifically attract an average applied 
tariff rate of 238.7%, with a peak of 313.5% for butter.  
4.132.   On wine, we enjoy a collaborative relationship with Canada in such fora as the World Wine 
Trade Group, but it is disappoi nting that in a number of instances wine sales regulations in Canadian 
provinces do not appear to be consistent with Canada 's WTO obligation to provide national treatment 
to imported wine.  
4.133.   We continue to appreciate Canada 's close collaboration on trade and  climate change and 
environment matters at the WTO, including its leadership in the Committee on Trade and 
Environment on trade and climate issues, engagement in the Environmental Goods Agreement 
negotiations, and as an active proponent on environmental se rvices.  
4.134.   We commend Canada on its commitment to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by 2025 
and to undertake a voluntary peer review of fossil fuel subsidies with Argentina, building on its G20 
commitment. Consistent with Canada 's leadership role on  trade and climate change and environment 
matters, we hope Canada will support discussions on Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform at the WTO to 
address the market distortions and negative climate impacts caused by inefficient use of these 
resources.  
4.135.   We also look t o Canada to lend its G7 weight to efforts, in the WTO and in other relevant 
fora, to address these trade distorting and environmentally harmful subsidy practices.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.136.   We are encouraged by the direction of Canada 's policies on inclusivity, trade and the 
environ ment, and indigenous agri -business, and appreciate the contribution Canada has made to 
WTO reform and global trade rules generally.  
4.137.   New Zealand will continue to support Canada 's leadership efforts on WTO reform through 
the "Ottawa Group ". 
4.138.   Given Canada 's overall progressive and inclusive trade agenda and ongoing dedication to the 
multilateral trading system, we encourage Canada to undertake necessary reforms of its agriculture 
policies which aim to protect certain agriculture sectors, including reforming su pply management.  
UKRAINE  
4.139.   Ukraine and Canada enjoy close bilateral relationship in the number of spheres; trade, 
economic and technical cooperation being the most relevant for the purpose of today 's meeting. 
Historic friendship relations have developed through generations of Ukrainian migration to Canada, 
strong people -to-people ties and the vibrant Ukrainian -Canadian community, and are based on the 
shared values and interests of mutually beneficial partnership. Nowadays Canada is one of Ukrain e's 
staunch supporters, both from financial and political points of view. Since Ukraine 's independence in 
1991, Canada has provided over USD 527 million in development assistance support to Ukraine. In 
this context Ukraine is grateful to Canada for its support in implementing necessary reforms that 
stimulate economic development, including those aimed at combating corruption and creating a 
more predictable business environment.  
4.140.   We highly estimate close bilateral ties between Ukraine and Canada supported by further 
trade liberalization provided under the Canada -Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), that is in 
force since August 2017. The CUFTA p rovisions stipulate, in particular, the deepening of trade and 
economic cooperation, including trade in industrial and agricultural goods, intellectual property 
protection and regulation of public procurement as priority areas for future engagement. In add ition, 
Canada and Ukraine benefit from the foreign investment promotion and protection agreement, the 
convention on double taxation avoidance and the air transport agreement.  
4.141.   In 2018 trade and economic relations between Ukraine and Canada continued to show  
positive dynamics and increase in the volumes of bilateral trade. The total trade turnover between 
Ukraine and Canada amounted to more than half a billion USD with common exports account for 
USD 165 million and import – USD 345 million. Trade in goods gre w to more than  USD 410 million 
while Ukraine 's export to Canada increased by 55%.  
4.142.   The CUFTA set up favourable  conditions that resulted in entering of new products from 
Ukraine to Canadian market in 2018. To name a few among almost 300 new products at subh eading 
level: copper and steel semi -finished products, ferroalloys, ferrotitanium, titanium and articles 
thereof, initiators of reactions, turbojet engines with power under 5 000 kW; fish (dried or salted) 
etc. 
4.143.   The structure of Ukraine 's goods export to Ca nada also traditionally covers tannic extracts; 
processed vegetable products; transport machinery; wood and wood products. The import of goods 
from Canada to Ukraine includes oil and products of its distillation, mineral fuel; fish and seafood; 
pharmaceuti cal products.  
4.144.   Our trade in services covers wide range of sectors such as IT, transport, business services 
and tourism.  
4.145.   Ukraine is interested in deepening and strengthening bilateral cooperation and partnership 
with Canada in a way that contributes to a win win situation for both parties. We will assess progress 
made and reaffirm our tactic goals at the Ukraine Reform Conference, which will take place in Toronto 
this July.  
4.146.   Ukraine highly appreciates the partnership cooperation with Canada across the WTO bod ies 
on agriculture, domestic regulation, e -commerce and others. Canada 's support of small and medium 
businesses exports potential building as well as women participation in international trade and 
overall promotion of e -commerce gains more and more propone nts among Members.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.147.   Being strongly committed to the rule -based multilateral trading system, Ukraine notes the 
efforts of Canada in strengthening international trade in goods and services and its comprehensive 
contribution to further development of the WTO s ystem.  
4.148.   Within this TPR exercise Ukraine has submitted number of specific questions on the following 
topics: trade facilitation; intellectual property; investment regime; regulations relating to pesticide 
residues; maintaining non -ad valorem duties for agri cultural products etc.  
4.149.   We would like to express gratitude for the responses, which we are reviewing thoroughly.  
4.150.   In conclusion, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the delegation of Canada and 
especially to the team of the Mission in Geneva fo r their hard work in preparing for this TPR.  
4.151.   We wish Canada successful TPR and look forward to further strengthening our bilateral 
relations.  
JAPAN  
4.152.   Japan praises Canada for its historical contributions to upholding and strengthening the 
multilateral tradin g system since the establishment of the GATT. Japan also acknowledges Canada 's 
dedicated and ongoing efforts to reform the WTO.  
4.153.   In regard to its trade policy, we note that, by launching a new Export Diversification Strategy 
to support exports by SMEs and p romote gender equality, Canada is contributing to making global 
trade more inclusive.  
4.154.   In this review period, Canada accepted the TFA and the ITA expansion. Additionally, Canada 
regularly meets its notification requirements in the WTO, and —together with the  EU, Japan, the U.S. 
and other Members  — has co -sponsored the transparency and notification proposal. We appreciate 
these positive engagements on the part of Canada in our collective efforts to improve the functioning 
of the WTO.  
4.155.   As for the investment fra mework, we have a keen interest in the contents of the Guidelines 
on the National Security Review of Investments in 2016. We appreciate the answer provided by 
Canada to our written question in advance of today 's review. We will continue to pay attention to  
how the review is conducted under the new guidelines, particularly focusing on the transparency of 
the review standards.  
4.156.   Furthermore, as a co -convener of the Joint Statement Initiative on electronic commerce, 
Japan appreciates Canada 's significant contri bution to the ongoing negotiations, and expects that 
we can make substantive progress towards MC12.   
4.157.   Apart from its work in the WTO, Canada concluded three new FTAs including the CPTPP and 
updated some of its existing FTAs during this review period. We ex pect that we can achieve a 
mutually beneficial trade regime by strengthening economic partnerships, while ensuring that all 
measures are consistent with the WTO obligations.  
4.158.   There are, however, areas that can be improved on. Particularly, as indicated in the report 
by the Secretariat, when the Federal Government levies excise taxes on certain products, lower or 
zero tax rates are applied to domestic brewers and to wine made entirely from Canadian -grown 
agricultural produce. We expect Canada to adopt non -discriminatory measures that are consistent 
with its commitment to the WTO agreement. In addition to the issue of excise taxes, in Canada, the 
provincial and territorial Liquor Control Authorities are exclusively engaged in retail sale, importation, 
and inte r-provincial/territorial trade in alcoholic beverages. Although Canada has fulfilled its 
obligation to provide notifications on state trading enterprises, we encourage Canada to further open 
up its alcohol market in order to facilitate a fair and competiti ve environment that would also allow 
more Canadian consumers to enjoy Japanese sake.  
4.159.   Japan would like to touch upon Canada 's forestry policies. We are particularly concerned by 
export restriction measures on logs from British Colombia. We would like to recall that the GATT 
requires general elimination of quantitative restrictions. Additionally, we are afraid that Canada 's WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  stumpage program could lead to dumping of wood products exported from Canada. We expect 
Canada to refrain from taking excessive measur es to protect its forestry industry.  
4.160.   In conclusion, we wish Canada a successful and productive TPR, and look forward to hearing 
of further progress regarding its trade and investment policies at its next TPR.  
BRAZIL  
4.161.   As pointed out by the Secretariat 's repo rt, Canada' s trade regime is significantly open. 
Imports and exports combined represent 65% of Canada 's GDP and the average MFN tariff is 6.1%. 
Since the last Trade Policy Review in 2014, there was a noticeable increase in MFN duty -free tariff 
lines from 6 7.0% to 70.4%, which reflected the ITA expansion and some unilateral tariff elimination 
on products used in the agri -food processing industry.  
4.162.   Nevertheless, the overall picture reveals inconsistencies, as some sectors in Canada are far 
from enjoying a libe ral regime. There is still a dualism in Canadian agriculture: a very competitive 
exporting sector coexisting with supply -managed industries. A complete array of protection 
instruments also remains in place: tariff -rate quotas, tariff escalation, tariff pea ks, non -ad valorem 
tariffs, special safeguards, production quotas, and export subsidies.  
4.163.   We praise Canada for its commitment to eliminate the remaining export subsidies by the end 
of 2020, in accordance to the Nairobi Ministerial Decision, but we believe t hat more can be done. It 
is a matter of transparency and balance. For the period under review, agricultural tariff were 21.8% 
on average, compared to 2.5% for non -agricultural goods. This is almost ten times higher.  
4.164.   Turning to the bilateral relations betwe en Brazil and Canada the bilateral trade volume had 
a significant increase of more than 20% in 2018. Brazilian exports to Canada increased 23.4%, 
whereas imports from Canada increased 27.9%. Bilateral Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is also 
significant. Ca nada is one of the main destinations for Brazilian investments. In 2018, Brazil had a 
stock of FDI in Canada of over USD 20 billion, making it the seventh largest investor in Canada. 
Large parts of these investments refer to the mining sector. In the oppos ite direction, Canada had 
a stock of FDI in Brazil that reached USD 15 billion in 2018.  
4.165.   Another welcome development in our bilateral relations during the period under review is 
the start of the Mercosur -Canada FTA in March 2018. There have been five rounds of negotiations 
so far, involving more than 20 negotiating groups. Next week, in Montevideo, we should conclude 
negotiations on E -Commerce, SPS, Dispute Settlement and Environmental Issues.  
4.166.   This goes to show that Brazil and Canada have a lot in comm on, despite the differences in 
terms of development levels. Not only do Brazil and Canada have vast territories, diverse population, 
and abundant natural resources, but also share many common goals and interests - both count on 
free and open trade to expan d and provide support for their economies, both are committed 
members of this organization and both attach great value to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system. As members of the Ottawa Group, we are doing our best to find suitable solutions to the 
difficult problems this Organization is facing.  
4.167.   In conclusion, let me just point out that Brazil has sent some additional questions to Canada 
and that, to our satisfaction, we note that the first questions were already replied. We wish a 
successful Trade Po licy Review to Canada.  
INDIA  
4.168.   During the period under review from 2015 -18, the GDP of Canada grew at a moderate rate 
with a growth rate of 3% in 2017 which moderated to 1% in 2018. The Canadian economy also 
witnessed low inflation, a stable debt to GDP rati o, decline in current account deficit and the lowest 
rates of unemployment in the last few decades. The per capita GDP of Canada also increased to 
USD 46,182 in 2018. Canada is a diversified economy with trade amounting to almost 65% of the 
GDP.  
4.169.   The Canad ian delegation at Geneva, led by Ambassador Stephen De Boer, has been an 
effective advocate for WTO reform, ably articulating the position of the middle grounders, as a leader WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  on the issue of gender and trade and on the work related to multilateral fisheri es subsidy 
negotiations.  
4.170.   India and Canada share a multi -faceted relationship which is underpinned by shared values 
of democracy and pluralism. Canada is also home to a large Indian diaspora of around 1.6 million 
who are contributing to the socio -economic d evelopment of the country. In addition, 1,24,000 Indian 
students are currently studying in Canadian colleges.   
4.171.   Economic and trade relations are an important pillar of our bilateral relations. Trade between 
both countries stood at USD 6.34 billion in 2018 -19. There is considerable potential to expand trade 
in products like iron and steel, pharmaceuticals, garments, marine products, electrical machinery, 
chemicals, oil and petroleum products. Investment from Canada into India has also grown in sectors 
like i nformation technology, services, food processing, IT and pharmaceuticals. India is also 
becoming an attractive destination for Canadian investments, including from pension funds. A large 
number of Indian companies are also present in Canada in areas of ban king, automobiles and 
information technology.  
4.172.   We have posed a large number of questions to Canada as part of this TPR and are thankful 
for the responses. My authorities would be reviewing the responses received. Let me , however , 
underline some areas of pa rticular concern which impede the potential of our trade and economic 
ties.  
4.173.   There is considerable potential to strengthen trade in services between both countries. 
However, the existing Temporary Foreign Workers Programme or Global Skills Strategy of Cana da 
is unable to cater to the requirements of IT professionals and other services providers from India. 
Addressing issues relating to mobility of skilled professionals from India to Canada, including the 
procedural delays in visa processing, and removing ot her restrictions in the temporary foreign 
workers programme will be of mutual benefit. The new Labour Market Impact Assessment imposes 
onerous burdens on employers, thereby affecting skilled labour mobility from India to Canada.   
4.174.   On trade in goods, we hav e regularly highlighted issues related to export of Indian 
agricultural products including fruits and vegetables which face challenges due to burdensome 
requirements of testing, inspection and SPS measures. The complex regulatory procedures for 
export of f ish products from India to Canada are also impacting our trade in this area.  
4.175.   Currently, the Canadian authorities do not recognise the certification procedure of Indian 
organic products including poultry and meat products. India has been seeking equivalenc e for 
organic standards of our National Programme for Organic Production with Canada so that the 
certification procedures are simplified. We hope Canada will look into all these issues and 
meaningfully address them at the earliest for enhanced trade and mu tual benefit.  
4.176.   Both countries are also negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement which 
covers trade in goods, services and all areas of our economic cooperation and a bilateral investment 
agreement. Several rounds have been held and early conclusion of the foreign investment promotion 
and protection agreement and CEPA would give a fillip to our trade and economic ties.  
4.177.   To conclude, India looks forward to working closely with the authorities of Canada for further 
expanding and harnessing th e potential of our trade and investment ties. We wish the delegation of 
Canada a productive and successful TPR.  
THAILAND  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.178.   ASEAN and Canada have expanding trade and investment relations with total merchandise 
trade amounting to nearly USD  18 billion in 2017, recording an increase by 10 % from the previous 
year. In 2017 Canada was ranked as ASEAN 's ninth largest trading partner. The ITC analysis1 
indicates that products with the greatest export potential from ASEAN to Canada are telephone sets 
and other voice/image transmission apparatus, with the potential to realise additional exports of 
                                                
 1 This information is sourced from ITC website : https://exportpotential.intracen.org/#/products/tree -
map?fromMarker=r&exporter=1&toMarker=j&market=124&whatMarker=k . WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  about USD 489 million in this sector. ASEAN anticipates co ntinued positive trade relations with 
Canada so as to achieve and leverage this potential towards its development efforts.  
4.179.   ASEAN welcomes Canada 's policy on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) resulting in substantial 
direct investment abroad equivalent to 50 % of its GDP in 2017. In the same light, ASEAN notes with 
pleasure the improvements made by Canada in facilitating foreign investment. The one stop shop 
for foreign investments as well as elimination of formal approval procedures are welcome steps that 
should increase opportunities for foreign investments in Canada. In addition, ASEAN is pleased to 
note that FDI inflows from Canada to ASEAN amounted to USD 9.4 billion in 2017.  
4.180.   ASEAN welcomes the completion of the Joint Feasibility Study for an ASEAN -Canada F TA 
which showed positive impact on trade and investment  for both sides.  
4.181.   ASEAN also welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the 2016 -2020 Work Plan 
of the ASEAN -Canada Joint Declaration on Trade and Investment.  
4.182.   To further build on this strong f oundation, regular ASEAN -Canada Annual Trade Policy 
Dialogues continue to take place. Exchanging lessons learnt from ASEAN and Canada 's FTAs 
negotiations with other dialogue partners will be useful for strengthening trade relations.  
4.183.   ASEAN notes with apprec iation the various initiatives supported by Canada in collaboration 
with relevant ASEAN sectoral bodies, especially in the area of developing micro, small and medium 
enterprises (MSMEs). We believe that these initiatives will provide technical assistance a nd help build 
capacity on trade and investment in the region.   
4.184.   ASEAN expresses its appreciation for Canada 's ongoing support through technical assistance 
to the region 's efforts in promoting inclusive and innovation -led growth. ASEAN is also appreciative 
of the fact that Canada is an active and important member of the WTO, constructively participating 
in all areas of negotiations and implementation of outcomes.  
4.185.   ASEAN looks forward to its continued positive engagement with Canada both to strengthen 
the expa nding bilateral relations as well as the multilateral trading system.  
4.186.   Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to Ambassador Stephen DE BOER and his 
delegation for their constructive engagement with the ASEAN delegations here in Geneva. We also 
wish to extend our special thanks to Ambassador DE BOER for being one of distinguished panellists 
at the WTO ASEAN Regional Seminar on the WTO Reform held in March this year in Bangkok.  
THAILAND  
4.187.   Thailand and Canada have maintained strong, wide ranging, and mut ually beneficial 
economic relations. We are pleased to highlight that our bilateral trade in 2018 totalled  
USD 2.5 billion, expanding by 15% from 2017. Canada is Thailand 's third largest trading partner in 
the Americas while Thailand is Canada 's second largest trading partner in ASEAN. Thailand hopes 
that our bilateral trade will continue to grow to further strengthen our economic relations.  
4.188.   We congratulate Canada on its overall positive economic performance since 2016. Canada 's 
strategy to divers ify its international trade and FDI will be of much interest to many of us. We are 
pleased to note that FDI flows from Thailand to Canada amounted to CAD 56 million in 2018. Further, 
we note that Canada stepped up efforts to improve its FDI attractiveness.  However, most long -
standing foreign investment restrictions remain in place. We, therefore, encourage Canada to 
consider further liberalization.  
4.189.   Canada has long been a key and invaluable contributor to the WTO. Thailand commends 
Canada for its contributions and commitment to WTO reform. As Cairns Group Members, Thailand 
has close working relationship with Canada in agriculture negotiations with a shared view of pushing 
for successful reforms in agriculture. We appreciate Canada 's proactive contr ibutions in the ongoing 
negotiations with a view to achieving outcomes in this crucial area by MC12.  
4.190.   In conclusion, we wish Canada every success in this Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  INDONESIA  
4.191.   Indonesia associates itself with the ASEAN statement made previously by Thailand.  
4.192.   This TPR is an important platform for Indonesia to look into avenues in improving the bilateral 
trade relation with Canada. This process has allowed Indonesia to learn much, in the ways the 
Canadian government formulates programs and policies to manage trade flows. Additionally, this 
TPR has assisted Indonesia in further understanding how WTO consistent trade and trade -related 
policies are being implemented in Canada – be it at the national level, as well as at the sub -national 
levels.  
4.193.   By the numb ers, Indonesia and Canada are increasingly engaging in more trade activities, 
especially since 2016 when we started to inhibit a positive yearly growth in bilateral trade. The figure 
has since been increasing from a yearly growth of 12.26% (between 2016 -2017) to 15.99% in the 
following year (between 2017 -2018). This positive trade growth looks even more promising at the 
current rate of trade activities, where annual growth last March 2019 was recorded at 8.72%, and 
with more months to go until the end of 20 19. 
4.194.   This positive development is, in itself, a tribute to our trust building engagements, at various 
fronts, and including at the WTO. The WTO helps in ensuring that the increasing bilateral trade flow 
remains healthy, and conducted with minimum unnecessar y barriers.  
4.195.   Indonesia would like to point out that the USD 2.7 billion bilateral trade that is currently on 
the table is less than 1% of Indonesia 's and less than 1% of Canada 's total trade. We hope to see 
that the rising level of Canadian investment into Indonesia (which in 2018 sits at USD 3.2 billion) in 
which Indonesia has become Canada 's second largest investment destination in Southeast Asia, will 
further complement the effort to raise bilateral trade.  
4.196.   Hence, overall, Indonesia sees room for improveme nt in our bilateral trade. Much discussions 
leading up to this TPR meeting has provided insights into this joint effort for trade improvement.  
4.197.   we have forwarded our inquiries in our written questions that we have submitted. And we 
convey appreciation to th e Canadian delegation for the responses we have received to our advanced 
written questions, amongst them:  
• on programs and regulations related to Canada 's commitment to eliminate the remaining 
subsidies on dairy products;  
• on the government -run industrial an d sector -specific incentive programs for international 
collaboration and R&D (research and development), including the GGI program (Going 
Global Innovation), CanExport, GOA (Global Opportunities Associations), CGI (Going Global 
Innovation), and ICCI (Inves t Canada -Community Initiates) – and on how these programs 
are non -trade -distorting;  
• on the AgriMarketing program, and on how the program is not considered trade -distorting;  
• on the criteria and factors in categorizing a business as SME;  
• on the highly regula ted tobacco market and industry;  
• on the qualifications for the General Preferential Tariff (GPT) treatment entitlement; and  
• on the empirical basis or factor behind categorizing some WTO members as non -developing, 
despite its status as developing members at  the WTO.  
 
4.198.   We have submitted some follow up questions, some of them seeking clarification and 
elaboration on the responses to the advanced written questions. We look forward to receiving 
additional answers to these questions.  
4.199.   In conclusion, my delegation w ishes Her Excellency Ms. Kendal Hembroff and her 
Ottawa -based delegation, success in the remaining phase of this TPR, and a safe trip home.  
HONDURAS  
4.200.   For some decades, our countries have enjoyed a strong relationship, which has enabled us 
to share their vis ions of the building of a rules -based world trade order and their aspiration to achieve WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  fair, free, transparent, equitable and predictable trade, which reflects an appropriate balance 
between rights and obligations and promotes prosperity for our fellow ci tizens.  
4.201.   Canada has played a very constructive role in Honduras, always showing its commitment to 
democratic development, the strengthening of the development cooperation programme and the 
deepening of trade, investment and other ties.  
4.202.   Accordingly, Canada has made significant contributions to the financing of projects in our 
country in a range of different areas, focusing in particular on those that have adopted science -based 
approaches, to regulate trade in agri -food products and to str engthen capacities to adopt and meet 
agreed standards.  
4.203.   As the reports before us indicate, the bilateral and regional Free Trade Agreements constitute 
a key instrument for our countries in their efforts to diversify trade. For that reason, since 2014, our 
bilateral trade relationship has been governed by the Fr ee Trade Agreement, which has made it 
possible to establish a more robust relationship in the various areas covered by the Agreement.  
4.204.   By 2017, bilateral trade between Canada and Honduras amounted to more than 
USD 88 million, with Honduran exports totalling  around USD  40 million in coffee, fruit and 
vegetables among other goods, and imports from Canada around USD  48 million in meat and edible 
offal, vegetable preparations and cereal -based preparations.  
4.205.   Canada's foreign direct investment plays a significant r ole in Honduras in garment 
manufacturing and mining. The garment industry generates more than 20,000 jobs in Honduras.  
4.206.   With regard to the reports under consideration, we are pleased to learn that the 
Canadian  economy experienced strong growth during the se cond half of the period under review and 
grew by 3.0% in 2017, the highest percentage since 2011 and the fastest rate of growth among the 
G7 countries, which is a remarkable achievement.  
4.207.   In 2017, as in 2015 and 2016, Canada ranked 10th among the world's la rgest economies 
and, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Canada's net debt -to-GDP ratio is the 
lowest among the G7 countries, less than a third of the average for those countries.  
4.208.   We note from the adoption and implementation of its public p olicies that Canada is 
manifesting a commitment to the maintenance of a strong and effective intellectual property regime 
that supports innovation, investment and economic growth, and we highlight its recently launched 
intellectual property strategy.  
4.209.   We al so note the recent creation of the Invest in Canada Hub, and the adoption of the 
country's new Tourism Vision.  
4.210.   Canada is currently one of the world's leading producers of a variety of natural resources, 
including timber, oil, gas, minerals and ores, and is  a world leader in food quality and 
environmentally friendly agricultural innovation and production, and we recognize its leadership in 
modernizing the WTO through the Ottawa Group initiative.  
4.211.   In addition, we note that it ranks 12th among the main exporter s and importers of goods, 
eighteenth among the main exporters of commercial services, fourteenth among the main importers 
of services of this category and twenty -second in the ease of doing business ranking and that it is 
among the least corrupt countries in the world.  
4.212.   In conclusion, Honduras congratulates Canada on its outstanding and important 
achievements during the period under review, and we wish the country every success.  
CHINA  
4.213.   We note that after two years of weak economic growth, the Canadian economy  has achieved 
strong growth in the second half of 2016 and 2017. During the period under review, Canada had 
seen a relatively low inflation rate, and a stable federal government debt -to-GDP ratio, with its 
current account deficit declining.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.214.   As an original GATT contracting party and founding member of the WTO, Canada is an 
important player in international trade and has been actively participated in the regular work of the 
WTO and WTO reforms, while joining in discussions on e -commerce, investment facilitati on and 
SMEs.  
4.215.   The multilateral trading system is currently facing unprecedented challenges. As emphasized 
in its Government statement, Canada will support the multilateral trading system with the WTO at 
its core, as such system is playing a vital role in li fting the economic level of all Members and 
maintaining the world prosperity and stability. We hope that Canada can continue to play such role 
in the WTO.  
4.216.   China is the second largest trading partner of Canada. We are important investment 
destinations of ea ch other. During the period of review, our bilateral trade experienced fast growth. 
According to statistics on the Chinese side, our bilateral trade in goods registered US D 63.54 billion 
in 2018, a year -on-year growth of 22.7%, bilateral trade in services grew rapidly and reached 
USD 25.28 billion in 2018.  
4.217.   By the end of 2018, China 's direct investment in Canada was about US D 11.92 billion and 
Canada 's investment in China amounted to US D 10.72 billion.   
4.218.   Meanwhile, the total trade volume between China and C anada only accounted for 1.2% of 
China 's total foreign trade and 8.1% of Canada 's total foreign trade respectively. We believe that 
there is huge potential for both sides to improve trade relations.  
4.219.   With respect to Canada 's trade policies and measures, we have several concerns . 
4.220.   First, the business environment of Canada. Since the last Review, Canada 's restrictions on 
foreign investment have persisted and national security review has been generally used. China 
expects Canada to relax its restric tions on foreign investment and apply national security review 
clauses in a prudent way, and treat investors from all members including China equally, properly 
addressing issues in the bilateral investment through dialogues.  
4.221.   Second, the impact of bilateral  and regional economic and trade arrangements. China is 
closely analysing  the implications of the Canada -EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement 
(CETA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and 
the US -Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). China hopes that the implementation of these 
agreements will not impede Canada 's existing bilateral economic and trade cooperation with other 
trading partners.  
4.222.   Third, trade remedy measures. Canada remains an active user of tra de remedies. We hope 
that Canada can adopt trade remedy measures with restraint and address trade frictions through 
dialogues and negotiations.  
4.223.   In addition, China is also concerned about Canada 's latest policies in agriculture, energy, 
aviation and intelle ctual property protection.  
4.224.   China attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations with Canada. And 
China hopes that Canada would also value its economic and trade cooperation with China.  
4.225.   China is willing to work together with other memb ers to safeguard the multilateral trading 
system with the WTO at its core, support necessary reforms of the WTO to address the crisis faced 
by the WTO, while responding to the development demand, and promoting an open world economy.  
4.226.   I would like to conclud e by expressing my appreciation to the Canadian delegation for its 
responses to our questions. We will study these replies carefully. Finally, I would wish this policy 
Review a complete success.  
  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  ARGENTINA  
4.227.   Argentina appreciates the efforts made by Canada during the period under review to address 
the slowdown in economic growth through strategic investments in physical and social infrastructure, 
innovation, science and research, and skills and training.  
4.228.   Argen tina commends Canada on its achievement of a high standard of living for its population 
with a GDP per capita in nominal terms of USD  46,182 in 2018.  
4.229.   Argentina also commends Canada on the role that it has played in helping to build a world 
order based on the rule of law and the aspiration to free, inclusive and more open trade, with the 
aim of ensuring that the benefits of trade are shared by all. It salutes its efforts to defend fair and 
predictable trade through the rules -based multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its centre, 
primarily to confront the challenge posed by the growth of unilateral trade restrictive measures and 
increased protectio nism.  
4.230.   Argentina shares Canada's view that the WTO is an institution indispensable for the 
preservation of the multilateral trade system, which serves as a forum for the opening of markets 
and liberalization of trade, creating rules that establish a predict able environment in which to 
operate, promoting transparency, debating the issues that arise and resolving disputes when they 
arise.  
4.231.   In this context, our country appreciates the active engagement with which Canada has 
contributed to the regular work of the  WTO committees, negotiations, dispute settlement, the 
conduct of oversight and multilateral initiatives.  
4.232.   Particular attention is drawn to the leadership role played by Canada and Argentina welcomes 
its trade and gender initiatives. We perceive these as be ing aligned with the Joint Declaration on 
Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment of the Eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos 
Aires, in addition to its commitment to the modernization and reform of the WTO through the 
formation of the Ottawa Group.  
4.233.   We welcome the information that it notified the WTO of its acceptance of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016. In addition, it has completed the procedures and implemented 
the commitments entered into under the Information Technology Agreement ( ITA) Expansion and 
has regularly met its notification obligations during the period under review.  
4.234.   We would also like to highlight the role that Canada and its delegation in Geneva have played 
in the negotiations on fisheries subsidies, with a view to reach ing an agreement to prohibit certain 
forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing and to eliminate those 
that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.  
4.235.   We encourage Canada's efforts to diversify its trade, a nd welcome the bilateral and regional 
FTAs concluded during the review period. It should be noted that, during this period, Canada and 
Argentina began negotiations in 2018, within the framework of MERCOSUR's external relations, with 
a view to concluding a comprehensive FTA.  
4.236.   Regarding the bilateral relationship between Argentina and Canada, our country has 
duty-free access to the Canadian market for approximately 94% of the products that it exports to 
that market.  
4.237.   Canada is the only country party to the Cana da-United States -Mexico Agreement with which 
our country maintains a surplus, due to the exports of minerals (gold and silver) extracted by 
Canadian mining companies from Argentine territory (approximately 80% of total exports).  
4.238.   During 2018 the bilateral t rade surplus showed a positive trend for Argentina, reaching 
USD 907.4  million (an increase of 35% over 2017).  
4.239.   The main products exported to Canada in 2018 were: unrefined gold, wines, biodiesel and 
blends, alloy steels in ingots or other primary forms and  unrefined silver, while the main products WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  imported from Canada in 2018 were aircraft with an unladen weight greater than 15,000 kg, 
components of pumps for liquids, medicines, potassium chloride and paper rolls for graphic use.  
4.240.   In closing, and while reite rating our appreciation for this new opportunity to exchange 
pertinent facts and views on Canada's trade policies and practices, allow us to point out once again 
the relevance of this exercise  in transparency in all its aspects and to wish the Canadian aut horities 
the successful conclusion of this Review.  
DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.241.   Canada is an important trading partner for the Dominican Republic and exports from Canada 
to this country in 2018 amounted to approximately USD  169.46  million, the main products being 
fish and crustaceans, cereals and oils, among others. Exports from the Dominican Republic to Canada 
in the same year totalled USD  775.29  million, and the main products were gold, silver, cigars, cocoa, 
pharmaceutical products, textiles and others. Canada ran ks second as the country of origin in foreign 
investment flows to the Dominican Republic, with a total of USD  329.3  million in 2018, according to 
figures from Trade Map and from the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic.  
4.242.   We wish to congratulate Canada on the good performance of its economy, seeing the 
indication in the Secretariat report that, during the period under review (2015 –18), the 
Canadian  economy experienced moderate GDP growth, low inflation, and a relatively stable federal 
government debt -to-GDP ratio. We are pleased to see that Canada has shown resilience and 
consistency in its international trade policy and that this has enabled it to maintain its good economic 
performance. Thus, after registering weak growth in 2015 and 2016, due to the drop i n oil prices, 
Canada registered strong growth from the second half of 2016 and during 2017, at a level of 3% in 
2017, as the economy responded to monetary and fiscal stimulus policies. Growth was sustained at 
1.8% in 2018, owing to the lower contribution o f household consumption and business investment.  
4.243.   We note with satisfaction that Canada has a diversified economy, with the services sector 
accounting for approximately 70% of GDP during the reporting period. Furthermore, Canada is 
one of the world's leadin g producers of a variety of natural resources, including timber, oil, gas and 
minerals.  
4.244.   At the same time, as indicated by the report, Canada remains heavily dependent on the 
United States market, although, during the period under review, two -way trade with  China and 
Mexico has increased.  
4.245.   We note with satisfaction that Canada notified the WTO of its acceptance of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) on 16  December  2016. In addition, it has completed the procedures 
and implemented the commitments entered in to under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) 
Expansion and has regularly met its notification obligations during the period under review.  
4.246.   In the area of trade facilitation, we see that no significant amendments were made to the 
Customs Act during th e period under review, but, in July  2015, the regulations relating to reporting 
requirements of the Advance Cargo Information (ACI) programme were introduced, obliging 
commercial customers to submit electronic pre -arrival information to Canada Border Servi ces 
Agency (CBSA) officers. CBSA has also launched two other trade facilitation initiatives, the Single 
Window Initiative and Phase 1 of the CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM) project.  
4.247.   As in the previous review, we are concerned to see that Cana da remains an active user of 
trade remedies. Between 2015 and 2018, 45 anti -dumping investigations were initiated and 
33 measures were adopted, compared to 24 measures adopted between 2011 and 2014. 
Canada's  trade remedies legislation was modified during t he period under review. One of the main 
changes was the introduction of legislation enabling anti -circumvention investigations to determine 
whether goods are being imported for the specific purpose of circumventing existing anti -dumping 
or countervailing d uties. Scope proceedings were also introduced, to establish whether a particular 
product falls within the scope of an existing anti -dumping and/or countervailing measure. In this 
regard, we urge the Canadian authorities to exercise their right to the appli cation of these measures 
with caution, lest they unduly affect exports from developing countries.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.248.   Our attention is also drawn by the information that, in the agricultural sector, the main 
programmes and support services are being implemented through a five -year joint federal and 
provincial/territorial policy framework. On 1 April 2018, the Growing Forward 2 Framework was 
succeeded by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Partnership foresees expenditures of 
CAD 1 billion on federal programmes and activ ities over the current five -year period. An expenditure 
of CAD  2 billion is also projected for cost -sharing programmes and activities designed and delivered 
by the provincial and territorial authorities. We are concerned about this high level of aid, since  this 
could cause distortions in the international market.  
4.249.   In conclusion, it only remains for us to congratulate Canada once again and to wish it success 
in this Trade Policy Review and in the future.  
ECUADOR  
4.250.   My delegation is following this eleventh Trade Policy Review with great interest, given the 
importance for Ecuador of the bilateral relations that it maintains with Canada, relations which it 
hopes to strengthen.  
4.251.   Through the reports that have been submitted, my delegation has been lookin g closely at 
the evolution of the Canadian economy, which, during the period under review, has resulted in 
moderate GDP growth and high diversification. Attention should be given to the high standard of 
living that Canada has achieved for its population, w hich, in nominal terms, had a GDP per capita of 
USD 46,182 in 2018.  
4.252.   Foreign trade and, in particular, exports of goods comprise not only primary commodities, 
but also incorporate intermediate and high value -added products. These considerations form part of  
one of the core priorities elaborated in the annual plan of Global Affairs Canada: namely, to diversify 
international trade and foreign direct investment, with a view to increasing economic opportunity. 
Accordingly, my delegation looks with interest at th e inclusive approach established by that plan, 
insofar as it focuses on the inclusion of transparency, labour rights, the environment, small and 
medium -sized enterprises, gender and indigenous peoples in trade and investment agreements.  
4.253.   Notwithstanding the  foregoing, the high degree of concentration of its exports, more than 
70% of which are destined for a single market – that of the United States of America – is evidence 
of the economy's high vulnerability to external factors. The greater diversification a nd search for 
new markets would be strongly advised.  
4.254.   Where trade policies and practices are concerned, we take note of the binding of 99.7% of 
its tariff lines. At the same time, the use of tariff quotas and other non -tariff measures such as 
technical regu lations and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, involving risk analysis procedures 
that are not always very smooth, may restrict effective access to the Canadian market. Several of 
Ecuador's questions to Canada relate to these issues.  
4.255.   Ecuador's strategic relationship with Canada has a long history, stemming from the early 
20th century with the construction of the Ecuadorian railway and significant investments in the mining 
sector. These investments have now been strengthened and constitute an important sou rce of 
financing for responsible mining projects promoted by the Ecuadorian Government.  
4.256.   Trade relations between Canada and Ecuador have been largely characterized by trade in 
agricultural products. Ecuadorian cocoa, roses and shrimp are the main export ite ms, while 
Ecuadorian imports from Canada consist primarily of the purchase of wheat, lentils and motor 
vehicles. According to the records of our Central Bank, trade between the two countries has shown 
a slight upward growth, although it has been characteri zed by a sustained deficit for Ecuador, which 
in 2018 exceeded USD  180 million. We therefore take this opportunity to restate Ecuador's interest 
in achieving a more balanced trade relationship.  
4.257.   Attention should be drawn to the productive cooperation develo ped between Canada and 
Ecuador in the promotion of science, innovation and technology programmes and scholarship 
programmes for Ecuadorian students. Another event worth noting is the entry into force in 2017 of 
the Ecuador -Canada Air Services Agreement. Th is Agreement has led to better connections between 
the two countries, through direct flights, which has made possible the steady expansion of WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  commercial relations and the strengthening of tourism in both countries. We reiterate Ecuador's 
interest in deepen ing trade and investment relations with Canada.  
4.258.   In conclusion, we thank the delegation of Canada for its responses to the questions that we 
raised and we wish the country success in concluding its Eleventh Trade Policy Review.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.259.   The Philippines a ssociates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by Thailand recognizing 
the growing trade and investment relations between ASEAN and Canada. We value this relationship 
deeply.  
4.260.   Trade plays a critical role in the Canadian economy, with aggregate two -way trade 
accounting for approximately 66% of its GDP. Canada accounts for 2.4% of global trade. In 2017, 
it was ranked as the 12th largest merchandise exporter and 12th largest merchandise importer in 
the world.  
4.261.   The Philippines and Canada have a long -standi ng bilateral economic relation. In 2018, 
Philippine exports to Canada grew by 8%, while imports from Canada increased by 13.5% making 
Canada the Philippines ' 20th major trading partner in the world. Among the top traded products 
between the two countries a re ignition wiring sets, copper ores, wood, and airplanes.  
4.262.   The Philippines notes from the Secretariat 's report that during the review period, Canada 's 
trade policy focused on diversifying international trade and foreign direct investment (FDI), and on 
pursuing an inclusive approach to trade, focused on transparency, labour  rights, the environment, 
micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs), gender, and indigenous peoples.  
4.263.   The Philippines recognizes Canada 's new Export Diversification Strategy, with  the goal of 
increasing overseas exports by 50% by 2025; and commends its efforts in improving support to 
companies looking to export, particularly MSMEs, and promoting gender equality through reducing 
barriers to the participation of women in internationa l trade.  
4.264.   The Philippines appreciates Canada 's recognition of the important role MSMEs in achieving 
inclusive growth and sustainable development, and looks forward to continue working together in 
advancing this initiative in the WTO.  
4.265.   Moreover, Canada is an active user of trade remedies and it has shown increase in the use 
of anti -dumping measures in recent years with 83 definitive anti -dumping measures in place as of 
end of 2018. More than two -thirds of these measures were applied on s teel products, including those 
that come from the Philippines. In this respect, the Philippines would like to know more about the 
factors that have contributed to the increase and encourages Canada to exercise circumspection in 
taking these measures, espec ially in the case of developing countries.  
4.266.   The Philippines has submitted some written questions on the Canada ' trade policy review 
reports, and we thank their delegation for their responses which we will transmit to our capital for 
consideration.  
4.267.   In closi ng, our delegation would like to express our appreciation to Ambassador De Boer for 
his invaluable contribution as discussant in the Philippines ' 5th Trade Policy Review last year. The 
Philippines looks forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial economic relations between 
our countries in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral fora.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.268.   I note with appreciation that Canada actively pursues an inclusive approach to trade through 
increased public engagement and protection of labour  rights and the environment, together with 
improved conditions for the underrepresented such as small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), 
all of which are essential in shaping the modern -day trade policy.   
4.269.   In addition, I am pleased that Canada ratified th e WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) 
in 2015 and, in parallel, rolled out initiatives to streamline trade and investment procedures by WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  creating one -stop service points through the Single Window Initiative and Invest in Canada Hub in 
particular.  
4.270.   I am es pecially encouraged that Canada remains a champion of a free, open, and rule -based 
trade system.  
4.271.   To illustrate, 70.4% of Canada 's tariff lines have become duty -free as of 2019 on an MFN 
basis compared with 67% in 2014, as import duties have been eliminate d under the expanded WTO 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA). I also note that Canada has now formally removed export 
subsidies for major agricultural products including wheat and oil seeds, and is bound to phase out 
remaining export subsidies by the en d of 2020 in accordance with the Nairobi Ministerial Decision 
on Export Competition . 
4.272.   Turning to the bilateral front, I am pleased to note that Korea and Canada have maintained 
mutually beneficial trade relations based on the complementary nature of the two  economies. Korea 
is Canada 's seventh largest trading partner and the third biggest in Asia.  
4.273.   Following the entry into force of the Korea -Canada FTA in 2015, our trade volume has made 
a steady increase. Especially last year, it surged by 18% and reached USD 11.5 billion making the 
highest record for the past seven years.  
4.274.   On investment, a total of USD 27 billion have been injected into both nations to increasingly 
diversified sectors. Korean FDI to Canada, once limited to mining and exploration, is now driven  by 
financial and insurance services.  
4.275.   Canadian investment to Korea is well spread among manufacturing, bio -technology and ICT 
sectors, which rendered a remarkable increase by 47% between 2015 and 2017 from the previous 
three years.  
4.276.   These outcomes once again vindicate significant contribution the FTA makes to our bilateral 
relations.  
4.277.   I would also like to take this opportunity to briefly comment on where there may be room 
for improvement in Canada 's trade remedies.  
4.278.   As pointed out in the Secretariat 's report, Canada is an active user of trade r emedies, and 
cases are mounting at an accelerating pace.  
4.279.   Thirty -three (33) new anti -dumping measures were adopted between 2015 and 2018 
whereas twenty -four (24) had been taken in the previous review period. It is noted with concern 
that Korea is one of th e most targeted nations, primarily in regard to steel products with a total of 
twelve (12) cases as of today.  
4.280.   Korea believes that determinations on some of these cases were not made fully based on 
the facts available or with clarity in their review proces s in which the Canadian regulatory entity is 
given substantial discretionary authority. Taking into account the adverse effects of these measures 
on trade, it would be advisable that more prudent approaches are taken in both initiating 
investigations and i mplementing review proceedings.  
4.281.   Finally, Canada stands out as one of the most advanced and responsible trading nations and 
is expected to exercise more leadership on this front. As Canada emphasized in the report, I have 
no doubt that Canada will continue to be at the forefront of protecting and building global confidence 
for the benefit of liberalized trade and the multilateral system.  
4.282.   I would like to conclude by expressing my deep appreciation to the Canadian delegation for 
its hard work and wishing the d elegation every success in this Trade Policy Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.283.   Canada and Singapore enjoy warm and longstanding ties. Our economic relationship is multi -
faceted, with substantive engagement at the government -to-government level, as well as strong WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  business  ties between our private sectors. We also enjoy good investment links that have continued 
to grow.  
i. Bilateral trade in goods totalled USD 2.1 billion in 2017, while services trade amounted to 
USD 1.8 billion in 2016.  
ii. We are also heartened that investment flow from Canada has been on an upward trend, 
totalling USD 8.9 billion in 2016.  
 
4.284.   Looking ahead, we believe that there are opportunities to further boost the trade and 
investment ties between our two countries and work  together to strengthen the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.285.   One, Singapore and Canada continue to identify new opportunities for collaboration in areas 
of mutual interest, at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. During his visit to Singapore for 
the 33rd ASEAN and Related Summits in November 2018, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 
and my Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong witnessed the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding 
(MOUs) on (i) cybersecurity cooperation, and (ii) infrastructure and smart  cities cooperation. These 
are examples marking new and important areas of collaboration that will further deepen trade and 
investment links between Singapore and Canada.  
4.286.   Canadian businesses have been keen to leverage Singapore to expand operations across 
South -east Asia and the wider region. Singapore can continue to serve as a strategic launch -pad for 
these companies, which can tap on our networks as they expand their regional presence.  
4.287.   Two, Singapore is committed to boosting investment ties. We welcome the sizeable presence 
of Canadian companies in Singapore, which serves as their strategic launch pad to tap into the 
growing economic opportunities in ASEAN and the wider Asia Pacific region. We also appreciate 
Canada 's efforts to improve its attraction as  a destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) by 
creating a one -stop shop for foreign investors through the creation of Invest in Canada, and new 
measures to eliminate formal approval procedures for many potential investments.   
4.288.   We note the intention of the Investment Canada Act (ICA) to strike a fine balance between 
encouraging foreign investments and safeguarding Canada 's national security interest. However, we 
are concerned that the net benefit review investment threshold, specifically the significa ntly lower 
threshold applicable for state -owned enterprises, could become a barrier to legitimate foreign 
investment. Commercially -run entities with a credible track record should not be penalised purely 
on the basis of ownership, and therefore disadvantag ed in accessing investment opportunities.  
4.289.   We hope that Canada can consider differentiating the thresholds for investors based on 
governance -related factors, and allow commercially -run entities to benefit from the review threshold 
that is applicable to pri vate sector investors. This will enable a more targeted approach in Canada 's 
review of foreign investments, and better achieve the intent of the ICA in balancing economic and 
national interests.  
4.290.   Three, Singapore will continue to work with Canada and all Me mbers to strengthen the rules -
based multilateral trading system embodied in the WTO. We appreciate Canada 's active role and 
leadership in the ongoing dialogue on WTO reform. In particular, Singapore appreciates Canada 's 
initiative in convening the Ottawa G roup, which has contributed to enriching the discussions on WTO 
reform and spurring constructive discussions with the larger WTO Membership.  
4.291.   We wish Canada every success in its 11th Trade Policy Review and look forward to continuing 
to work closely togethe r. 
TURKEY  
4.292.   In 2018 , Canada was the 10th largest economy in the World with a nominal GDP close to 
USD 1.7 trillion. Since 2018, the Canadian economy has been registering steady growth, with an 
average rate of 2.1 %.  
4.293.   Canada plays an important role as a link b etween North America and the fast-growing  
economies of Asia.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.294.   A net exporter of natural resources, being a member of the OECD, G -7 and G -20, Canada is 
considered one of the most dynamic economies in the World due to its secure business and 
investment envir onment.  
4.295.   We would like to commend Canada for the many initiatives that it launched during the review 
period for diversifying its international trade and foreign direct investment.  
4.296.   This is particularly true for its efforts in making trade more inclusive in terms of the 
involvement of SME 's and the economic empowerment of women. Canada 's efforts in this regard 
were especially visible in its engagement at the WTO.  
4.297.   We see the new Export Diversification Strategy as an important instrument to guide the 
exports of the country and help increasing overseas exports by 50% by 2025 as projected.  
4.298.   It is based on this outlook that Turkey follows Canada as an important actor in global trade 
and related issues. We find Canada 's efforts in preserving and improvi ng the rules based multilateral 
trading system to be especially noteworthy as we appreciate its efforts through the Ottawa Group.  
4.299.   We would also like to congratulate Canada for successfully fulfilling its notification 
requirements during the review period.   
4.300.   Although there is progress in accessing investment architecture for foreigners, like the 
creation of Invest in Canada, foreign investment restrictions in key sectors, including mining and 
telecommunications still remain in place. The report underlines th is issue as well. This is also 
confirmed by the OECD Restrictiveness Index. We therefore point out that there is still room for 
improvement in this vein.  
4.301.   Although Canada maintains its open trade regime during the review period, applied tariffs 
on agricultu ral products remain considerably higher than on industrial products.  
4.302.   As the Secretariat report states the average applied tariff rate on agricultural products is 
21.8%, where average tariff for dairy products is 238.7% and 47.2% for animal products.  
4.303.   The limited tariff rate quota application and the high tariff is also preventing market access 
for our companies. We may say that agricultural sector is still not as competitive as other sectors 
primarily because of high tariffs and subsidies. We therefore  encourage Canada to calibrate its 
policies in agriculture sector.  
4.304.   Pursuant global developments in steel industry, Canadian Federal Government has 
announced financial support programs for the domestic steel sector. We are closely monitoring those 
subsidize d financial aids and hope that they are brought more in line with arrangements under the 
WTO.  
4.305.   (As other have mentioned) Canada continues to actively use trade remedies. Adopted 
anti-dumping measures are on increase and registered as 33 in the review period , compared with 
24 measures in the previous review period. Four of these measures were applied on Turkey. On 
trade remedies, we expect Canada to continue cooperation with Turkey for ongoing investigation 
and to adapt less protective measures.  
4.306.   We are also c oncerned on recent proposed amendments to the safeguard legislation in 
Canada. These amendments aim to repeal the provisions in the Customs Tariff to allow the 
Government to impose back -to-back provisional safeguard measures. We remind Canada to take 
into account the existing safeguard rules of the WTO Agreements and requirement of a "cooling off " 
period of two years before new measures are introduced in line with existing agreements.  
4.307.   Canada is an important economic and commercial partner for Turkey.  
4.308.   It has been designated by our Ministry of Trade as one of the high priority countries for the 
term 2018 -2019.  
4.309.   Our bilateral trade volume in 2018 in was USD 3.28 billion.   WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.310.   Just last week we signed the Agreement for the establishment of a Joint Economic and Tr ade 
Committee (JETCO) on the margins of the G -20 Trade Ministerial Meeting  in Japan.  
4.311.   There are 377 Canadian companies operating in Turkey. Direct investment of Canada in 
Turkey reached USD 543 million as of March 2019. Turkish investment in Canada is abo ut 
USD 100 million.  
4.312.   We hope JETCO to accelerate the process for starting negotiations of Canada -Turkey FTA 
and deliver further growth in our trade volume.  
4.313.   We are also ready to negotiate an Agreement on Mutual Promotion and Protection of 
Investments.  
4.314.   Turke y will continue its close and fruitful dialogue with Canada in both bilateral and 
multilateral platforms.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.315.   Canada is a very important trading partner for Costa Rica. We have had a free trade 
agreement since 2002 and this agreement has particular significance for Costa Rica, as it was the 
first one that we signed with a developed country, promoting increased trade and investment flows 
under conditions of predictability, security and transparency. It was also the first trade agreement 
in which, thro ugh the conclusion of parallel cooperation agreements, Costa Rica incorporated 
provisions on environmental and labour issues.  
4.316.   We are complementary markets, so our trade exchanges include both agricultural and 
industrial goods – in both directions – and Can ada has found in Costa Rica an interesting destination 
for its investments, in particular in the industrial and financial domains.  
4.317.   In the multilateral arena, Canada and Costa Rica are fellow members of the Cairns Group 
and the Friends of the System group, just as we share similar approaches on issues such as trade 
facilitation, transparency in the fulfilment of obligations, sustainable trade and development, gender 
and micro, small and medium -sized enterprises, to name a few.  
4.318.   During the assessment period, C anada made a commitment to eliminate agricultural export 
subsidies, as agreed at the Ministerial Conference in Nairobi, and has progressively honoured this 
commitment with a view to its fulfilment by 2020 at the latest.  
4.319.   Furthermore, as a major exporter of fish and fish products, Canada is committed to 
negotiations on fisheries subsidies and, in particular, to combating illegal, unreported and 
unregulated fishing. This commitment is reflected in the actions taken by the country in the course 
of its active pa rticipation in the ongoing negotiations, along with national legal reforms and the 
signing of conventions on the protection of marine resources. Costa Rica would like to commend 
Canada's actions in this field, which reflect its commitment to the multilater al system and to an 
institutional framework based on rules, transparency and equity.  
4.320.   In the area of services, we note the robustness of its financial, telecommunications and 
insurance sectors, and also that of transport, where the increase in air transport  capacity has led to 
the growth of the tourism sector. This has also benefited Costa Rica because Costa Rica's beaches 
and forests play host to  thousands of Canadian tourists taking advantage of the frequent and direct 
flights from Toronto, Vancouver and M ontreal.  
4.321.   Where tariff policy is concerned, attention is drawn to the application of non -ad valorem 
tariffs and of much higher tariffs in the agricultural sector than in the industrial sector. Costa Rica 
believes that there is still ample room for improvement in this area.  
4.322.   The challenges faced by a Member such as Canada are very different from  those faced by 
countries like Costa Rica because of its scale and resources. The manner in which it addresses them, 
however, is comparable, with the same pragmatism and commitment.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.323.   We are pleased to have been part of this Trade Policy Review, because, eve n though my 
delegation did not put forward any questions, this peer -to-peer exercise in transparency is inclusive 
and conducive to a frank and constructive exchange.  
4.324.   I wish Canada a successful conclusion of its Eleventh Trade Policy Review and thank the 
discussant and the Secretariat once again for their valuable input.  
URUGUAY  
4.325.   First, we congratulate Canada on its key macroeconomic achievements during the period 
under review, based on a diversified and open economy and a high standard of living for its people. 
We also highlight the country's efforts to deepen its participation in the international economy 
through the diversification of its international trade and foreign direct investment, based on 
transparency, labour rights, the environment, small and medium -sized enterprises, and other 
elements.  
4.326.   We also highlight Canada's commitment and active participation and leadership in the routine 
work of the WTO councils and committees, negotiations, settlement of disputes, promotion of 
initiatives, in particula r the Council for Trade in Goods, under the leadership of Ambassador Stephen 
de Boer, the chair of which has recently been assumed by Uruguay.  
4.327.   We note the interest displayed by Canada in concluding trade agreements as part of its trade 
policy and the entry  into force or provisional application of some of these agreements. In this 
context, we recall that MERCOSUR and Canada have been negotiating a free trade agreement since 
last year and that, during the negotiation rounds, they made progress in the various chapters of 
that agreement, including chapters on labour issues, the environment, small and medium -sized 
enterprises, and gender and trade. As the process moves forward, meetings are held in accordance 
with an intensive work plan and these will continue ne xt week in Montevideo, we understand, with 
the aim of concluding the negotiations as a whole by the end of 2019.  
4.328.   Uruguay wishes Canada every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
VIET  NAM 
4.329.   We would like to associate ourselves with the ASEAN joint statement de livered by 
Ambassador Sunanta Kangvalkulkij of Thailand.  
4.330.   We are pleased to know that the Canadian economy continued to grow during the review 
period. Moderate GDP growth was combined with low inflation, a decreasing current account deficit 
and real exchang e rate depreciation. With this performance, we believe that the country 's economy 
will expand further in the years to come.  
4.331.   For our trade relations, Viet Nam is Canada 's largest trading partner within the ASEAN. In 
2018, bilateral trade recorded a year -on-year increase of over 10% to nearly USD 3.9 billion.  
4.332.   Viet Nam 's major export items to Canada are garment and textile, footwear, computers, and 
electronic products and components. Viet Nam mainly imports wheat, fertilizer and soya bean from 
Canada. Two -way trade is targeted to reach USD 8 billion in the next five years.  
4.333.   In terms of investment, we would welcome Canadian investors to invest in the financial, 
banking, high technology, agricultural and renewable energy sectors.  
4.334.   Viet Nam and Canada are now Pa rties of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for 
Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Since the entry into force of the Agreement for both countries in 
January 2019, two -way trade has posted a sharp increase of 30 % year-on-year to USD 1.46 billion.  
4.335.   Given the fact that the CPTPP is a high -standard and "new generation " agreement, with the 
commitments made to each other in this Agreement, bilateral trade between Viet Nam and Canada 
is expected to expand strongly and sustainably in the coming time, bring ing about practical benefits 
for both countries and the people.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.336.   At the multilateral level, Viet Nam highly commends Canada 's commitment and valuable 
contribution over the years to the WTO. Canada is not only the tenth biggest economy in the world, 
but als o one of the most active and leading Members of the Organization. Viet Nam appreciates the 
important roles played by Canada in promoting negotiations and deliberations in recent years, 
including potential WTO improvements, particularly at this critical sta ge for this organization. Canada 
has been contributing in the process as an important Member and as an active proponent of the 
various negotiation areas.  
4.337.   Finally, I would like to commend Ambassador Stephen de Boer and his able team for the 
very active and constructive role they play in all of the WTO 's activities. We wish Canada a very 
fruitful and successful TPR.  
AFGHANISTAN  
4.338.   We are pleased to note that Canada 's economy witnessed GDP growth and low inflation 
during the review period. GDP per capi ta reached CAD 59,838 in 2018, up from CAD 58,607 in 2017.  
4.339.   We appreciate Canada 's trade policy focus on diversifying international trade and foreign 
direct investment (FDI), and on pursuing an inclusive approach to trade, focused on transparency, 
labour  rights, the environment, small and medium -sized enterprises (SMEs), gender, and Indigenous 
peoples.  
4.340.   Also, Afghanistan commends Canada for concluding new FTA 's and joining new multilateral 
treaties in the period of review.  
4.341.   I would like to underline the imp ortance of Canada 's commitment and leadership to preserve 
multilateral trading system and address the challenges of this organization.  
4.342.   Canada is an active Member of the WTO with regular contribution in WTO committees, 
negotiations, dispute settlement, moni toring, and plurilateral initiatives. It also plays a leadership 
role by chairing WTO bodies and promoting initiatives such as trade and gender in the WTO, as well 
as through its work on WTO reform.  
4.343.   I would like to take this opportunity to commend the exc ellent work and leadership of 
Ambasador Stephen de Boer and his competent team members here in Geneva.  
4.344.   While Afghanistan values its historic relationship with Canada, we acknowledge the positive 
role of Canada has played amongst other friends of Afghanist an, during the past 18 years, in our 
new and critical journey towards a secure, open, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan. In 
particular, we value Canada 's support to Afghanistan during its accession to the WTO.  
4.345.   I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Government and people of Canada for their 
invaluable assistance and support provided to my country.  
4.346.   I conclude my statement by wishing the delegation of Canada a very successful and 
productive Trade Policy Review.  
GUATEMALA  
4.347.   Guatema la and Canada have traditionally maintained a close and cordial relationship on a 
wide range of issues on their bilateral and regional agendas. Where trade and investment are 
concerned, our two countries have historically maintained a stable and harmonious  relationship. 
There is great potential, however, for a significant expansion of trade in goods and services.  
4.348.   Guatemala is Canada's second largest trading partner in Central America. The trade balance 
has shown positive growth in recent years. Bilateral tr ade in goods between Canada and Guatemala 
in 2017 amounted to USD  832.2  million. The main products imported from Canada comprise 
machinery, potatoes, fertilizers and electrical appliances. The main products exported to Canada are 
sugar, textiles, vegetable s and fruit.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.349.   Canadian investments in Guatemala constitute one of its principal sources of foreign direct 
investment (FDI) and cover a wide variety of sectors, such as mining, agriculture, forestry, energy, 
telecommunications and financial services. Our cou ntries have discussed and negotiated a Free 
Trade Agreement for several years and we both remain open to continuing those negotiations.  
4.350.   With regard to the Trade Policy Review that is on our agenda today, we commend the ability 
of the Canadian economy to wi thstand external shocks and maintain growth, and also the country's 
application of a prudent fiscal policy and its efforts over the period 2015 –16 to rebalance its deficit. 
We take note of its active participation in the different arenas of this Organizati on, in which it has 
made a constructive contribution to many of the initiatives to strengthen multilateralism.  
4.351.   Canada notified the WTO of its acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) on 
16 December  2016. In addition, it has completed the proced ures and implemented its commitments 
under the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) Expansion, and has regularly met its notification 
requirements during the period.  
4.352.   At the same time, we are struck by the number of subsidy and incentive programmes 
provid ing assistance of various kinds to its enterprises, and also by the implementation of measures 
to promote women's participation in trade, the promotion of new production chains as an incentive 
for small and medium -sized enterprises as part of their export diversification strategy.  
4.353.   Over this review period, Canada has set up Invest in Canada, a ministerial body whose 
purpose is to increase the country's capacity to attract and facilitate foreign direct investment as a 
means of generating new sources of employ ment in the country's various economic sectors.  
4.354.   It should be noted that one of the issues of particular importance for Canada is that of 
intellectual property rights. Thus, in 2018, it launched its Intellectual Property Strategy, as a tool to 
boost growth in the business sector and to foster innovation and technology transfer as key elements 
of development.  
4.355.   In conclusion, Guatemala wishes Canada, in the implementation of its economic and trade 
policies, continued success in terms of economic growth and development, and trusts that our 
countries will cont inue to strengthen their trade and friendship ties.  
PARAGUAY  
4.356.   Paraguay wishes to highlight that the country under review, as the Secretariat report rightly 
points out, is an open -economy Member with trade as its driving force: a "trading nation". Faced 
with a crisis of confidence and the rise of protectionism, Canada has raised the flag for an open 
predictable and rules -based trading system, which aims to integrate the whole of society into 
international trade and empower all the stakeholders of the most vul nerable population.  
4.357.   Canada has not only made trade the engine of its economy: today, global trade flows in both 
directions (imports and exports) make up approximately 65% of GDP, but it has also been able to 
distribute the benefits of trade to its populati on. Thus, in 2018, GDP per capita in nominal terms was 
USD 46,182, offering its population a high level of quality of life.  
4.358.   It is impossible for us not to focus on Canada's quest for economic diversification as a lesson 
learned. In this regard, we would li ke to commend the Canadian authorities on the adoption of the 
country's Export Diversification Strategy, with the goal of increasing exports by 50% by 2025. This 
long-term vision has enabled the country not only to diversify its economy, but also to take a  
leadership role in the domain of international trade as a model in matters related to inclusive trade. 
Not only is Canada an attractive trading partner, it is also a Member that demands high social 
standards of equality and well -being from those which do business with it, repeatedly underlining 
the importance of labour rights in trade, raising its voice for gender equality and women's 
empowerment, and campaigning for the inclusion of micro, small and medium -sized enterprises in 
world trade, an essential st ep in spreading the benefits of economic development to small players 
in the economy.  
4.359.   In the economic and commercial sphere, we hope to continue strengthening our commercial 
ties through negotiations in the context of MERCOSUR. At this point, we must recog nize the WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  important work performed by that bloc in the search for and opening up of new markets and highlight 
the progress achieved in the negotiations under way between MERCOSUR and Canada, now at a 
fairly advanced stage and are entering their sixth round.  The MERCOSUR countries represent an 
opportunity for Canada to expand its economic footprint in South America. The negotiations include 
segments on access to the market in goods, services and financial services, on the temporary entry 
of persons, on e -comm erce, on investments, on trade and gender, on intellectual property, and on 
public procurement, to name a few. We look forward to ambitious results that will offer tangible 
benefits to the populations of both economies.  
4.360.   For Paraguay, these negotiations rep resent both an opportunity and a great challenge, since, 
given the composition of our exportable supply, which essentially comprises agricultural goods, the 
results may not be immediate. For that reason we are grateful to Canada for giving consideration to  
Paraguay's special conditions, in particular in the negotiations on services.  
4.361.   We also note the importance of the entry into force of three new agreements to which Canada 
is party: the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the Europ ean 
Union (CETA); the Canada -Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA); and the Comprehensive and 
Progressive Agreement for Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In addition, we highlight the country's 
efforts to renew commitments to its main trading partners, the  United  States and Mexico, in the 
context of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). We believe that this economic and 
trade integration will serve as an example inspiring progress towards the greater liberalization of 
trade in goods and services at the multilateral level.  
4.362.   At the WTO level, we commend Canada on its support for and the importance that it attaches 
to the multilateral trading system and we note in particular its active participation in the various 
WTO committees, groups and initiative s. 
4.363.   As the Secretariat report highlights, in recent years Canada has played an excellent 
leadership role in chairing certain WTO bodies and promoting initiatives such as those related to 
trade and gender, along with its important work within the framework o f the WTO reform initiative, 
demonstrating a high level of commitment to transparency. In that process we would like to highlight 
Canada's regular compliance with its notification requirements and the constructive multilateral work 
of its delegation in Gen eva. 
4.364.   In this context, we must also mention the joint efforts that we are making in the area of 
agriculture in the context of the Cairns Group. We highlight the active role played by the Group in 
advancing discussions in this domain, with the preparation of  documents and statistical data to 
inform the discussions and facilitate the conclusion of pending issues, in particular those relating to 
the export competition pillar. At the same time, we highlight Canada's contributions in the framework 
of the joint in itiatives on e -commerce, micro, small and medium -sized enterprises and investment 
facilitation for development.  
4.365.   On behalf of my country, I reiterate our congratulations to those responsible for conducting 
this Review and to the representatives of the Perma nent Mission of Canada in Geneva, for their 
active participation and contribution to the work of this Organization.  
PERU 
4.366.   Peru and Canada enjoy an excellent bilateral relationship, which is remarkable for the wide 
range of subjects in which we collaborate. This is made possible by the affinity between us of values 
and objectives, which has led our two countries to use their frequent bilateral discussions, and also 
those in a variety of regional and multilateral forums, to promote the universal observance of human 
rights, respect for minorities and indigenous peoples, the empowerment of women, the 
strengthening of the democratic system, the defence of multilateralism, the fight against the effects 
of climate change and, of course, the promotion of free trade a nd investment.  
4.367.   Where our economic and commercial relationship is concerned, we should draw attention to 
the increase in Canadian capital in Peru in recent years, which has made Canada one of the main 
sources of investment in my country. The Peru -Canada FTA , which entered into force in 2009, 
promoted a favourable legal framework for reciprocal investments, as it included one chapter on this WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  issue, added to the Agreement specifically for the promotion and protection of investments, and 
another included for th e purpose of avoiding double taxation.  
4.368.   In the commercial sphere, although the levels of bilateral trade remain substantial, 
surpassing USD  1.843  billion in 2018, there has been a declining trend in trade since 2011, and Peru 
is working to reverse this tren d and return to the path of growth. To this end, both countries are 
favourably disposed towards seeking increasingly ambitious levels of integration, through 
agreements such as the CPTPP and as partner States in the Pacific Alliance.  
4.369.   Peru notes with satisfaction the recent economic successes scored by Canada, in which 
international trade has undoubtedly played an important role. The openness of its trade is 
exemplified by the average tariff rate of approximately 6% and the increased pr oportion of tariff 
lines, since Canada's previous Review, that provide duty -free import under the most -favoured -nation 
principle. Similarly, attention should be drawn to the relatively small number of complaints brought 
before the technical bodies of this Organization for measures imposed by Canada.  
4.370.   Where the work of this Organization is concerned, Peru welcomes the cross -cutting and 
active participation of the Canadian delegation. Peru and Canada have a shared interest in 
modernizing the WTO and preserving  its dispute settlement system. In this regard, we welcome with 
interest the efforts of the so -called "Ottawa Group", in which Canada has played a leading role. We 
also share an interest in the reduction or elimination of subsidies that affect trade, for e xample, in 
agriculture and fisheries, and we support the search for ways in which this Organization could do 
more to promote the economic empowerment of women.  
4.371.   Given that Peru has not raised any questions for this Review, I can only convey the 
confidence o f the Peruvian Government that, by continuing on the path of integration, cooperation 
and dialogue, Peru and Canada will achieve even better economic results in future years, to the 
benefit of all our citizens. With that intention in mind, it only remains for me to wish Canada a 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
TAKIKISTAN  
4.372.   The Republic of Tajikistan commends Canada for all that it has achieved since last TPR. 
Important steps have been taken by the Government of Canada to advance integration of its 
economy int o the global trading system. During the review period, Canada 's global GDP ranking has 
remained steady. Canada was the world 's 10th largest economy in 2017 and the Canadian economy 
grew by 3.0%, the strongest pace since 2011 and the fastest pace among G7 c ountries. The economy 
grew by 1.8% in 2018 and GDP per capita reached approximately USD 46,2 thousand in nominal 
terms.  
4.373.   We welcome the efforts of Canada, particularly to advance WTO reform discussions and its 
active engagement in a number of plurilateral a nd multilateral initiatives at the WTO. Canada actively 
participates in the regular work of the WTO committees, negotiations, dispute settlement and 
monitoring. It also plays a leadership role to promote initiative such as trade and gender in the WTO. 
Canada notified the WTO of its acceptance of the TFA in 2016 and implemented its commitments 
under the ITA Expansion.  
4.374.   On the bilateral ties. The Tajik -Canadian partnership is currently reaching a new level of its 
development. The main feature is the further ex pansion of trade relations, implementation of joint 
socio-economic projects and deepening cooperation in different areas of economy. The numbers of 
Tajik-Canadian JV has been established and are functioning in the Republic of Tajikistan.  
4.375.   As the trade relations ' indicators are not significant (USD 9.1 million  in 2018) the relevant 
measures are being taken in order to strengthen and raise the trade turnover between two countries.  
4.376.   Here, I would like to highlight the number of important areas of cooperatio n between 
Tajikistan and Canada, including energy, agriculture, information and telecommunication, transport 
and communication infrastructure, and tourism.  
4.377.   The Republic of Tajikistan highly appreciates the hard work and strong commitment of 
Canada and wish es Canada a very successful and productive Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  EGYPT  
4.378.   Egypt and Canada share a well -established and multi -faceted relationship founded on 
political proximity, development cooperation and cultural exchange, while having economic ties at 
the very core.  
4.379.   On the economic front, bilateral trade witnessed a steady growth over the past years. In 
2018, the volume of bilateral trade surpassed USD 1 billion, constituting an increase of almost 2% 
as compared to the previous year. And while we acknowledg e the growing trade volume between 
our countries, we strongly believe that there is much potential to be explored to maximize our mutual 
benefit.  
4.380.   We applaud the decision of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to grant access to Egypt 's 
exports of fresh gr apes to the Canadian market as of January 2018, as well as the decision to remove 
the ban on EgyptAir 's cargo flights to Canada as of May 2018. Such decisions reinforce trade relations 
between our countries; however, we note the high cost of full ocean con tainer inspection in Canadian 
ports, which poses extra burdens on exporters from developing countries.  
4.381.   As for investment cooperation, Canada is one of the biggest foreign investors in Egypt, with 
more than 360 Canadian enterprises in various Egyptian secto rs, mainly in manufacturing and 
financial domains. Yet, we look forward to increased and more diversified Canadian investments in 
Egypt.  
4.382.   Egypt firmly supports the multilateral trading system and its contribution to global welfare, 
and hence greatly appreci ates Canada 's active role in the various WTO committees, negotiations, 
and new initiatives, as well as the ongoing discussions regarding WTO reform.  
4.383.   In addition, Canada is a strong supporter of the WTO 's work on trade facilitation and is a 
donor to the tr ade facilitation agreement facility, with a contribution mounting to CAD 35.8 million 
in 2015 and 2016.  
4.384.   We commend trade liberalization efforts by Canada, particularly the 3% increase in MFN 
duty-free tariff lines in 2019 as compared to 2014. However, we note that the average tariff on 
agricultural products remains at a much higher level than that on non -agricultural ones, with the 
existence of some non -ad valorem duties and tariff peaks.  
4.385.   Finally, Egypt praises Canada for its impressive economic performan ce during the review 
period, in addition to its efforts to further diversify the Canadian economy, and wishes the Canadian 
delegation a successful Trade Policy Review.  
MOROCCO  
4.386.   Canada is a largely open economy with trade accounting for 65% of its GDP.  
4.387.   It is also a country very committed to multilateralism. This is reflected in the Ottawa 
initiative, which it launched in 2018 and which we are following with great interest.  
4.388.   It is a model country in terms of economic diversification, despite the abundance of it s 
natural resources.  
4.389.   It is also a highly attractive economy, hence the large share of foreign direct investment that 
it receives.  
4.390.   Morocco welcomes the cooperation between our two countries in several areas, including 
agriculture, education, industry, telec ommunications and the environment.  
4.391.   While we still have much higher ambitions, we are pleased to see the growth in trade 
between Morocco and Canada, and also the expansion of air transport agreements between our two 
countries.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.392.   Morocco attaches great importance to the strengthening of cooperation with Canada. This is 
evidenced by the presence of major Moroccan banks in Canada, set up to serve the 
Canadian -Moroccan community and to leverage the business development potential betwe en the 
two countries.  
4.393.   Canada has a long -standing relationship with its African partners based on strong 
interpersonal ties, development cooperation relations and business connections.  
4.394.   In addition, Africa is now one of the most dynamic regions in terms of economic growth. By 
2050, the African continent will be one of the world's most populous.  
4.395.   We call on Canadian stakeholders to take advantage of the development dynamics and 
economic tra nsformation processes under way in Africa, which hold great opportunities.  
4.396.   The Kingdom of Morocco wishes Canada, as a partner and friend, every success in its Trade 
Policy Review.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.397.   The history of the bilateral relations between Canada and th e Kyrgyz Republic starts from 
1992, when Canada recognized the independence of the Kyrgyz Republic.  
4.398.   The cooperation between the parties within the regular visits of authorities and business 
representatives of the countries in multilateral international ev ents gives hope for further 
constructive and mutually beneficial cooperation. One of them, the first Kyrgyz -Canadian foreign 
affairs ministerial consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kyrgyz Republic and 
Global Affairs Canada, which w ere held in Ottawa last year.   
4.399.   As result of the consultations, parties confirmed their intention to make efforts to develop 
bilateral relations in the field of diversification of trade and economic cooperation and investment 
cooperation. We hope that thes e efforts will pave the future background for fruitful cooperation 
among the states.  
4.400.   It is worth to note, that despite of far distance, countries could establish resilient and stabile 
framework of cooperation in trade -economic, political and cultural sphe res. The one of the spheres, 
where states could establish and cooperation on the state level, is a mining field, where the Kyrgyz 
Republic and the Canadian company mines gold.  
4.401.   Trade and economic relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and Canada are regulat ed by the 
WTO agreement and both countries enjoy the Most Favoured Nation treatment in trade. Early 
acceptance by Canada of TRIPS Agreement and TFA characterizes Canada as a member fully 
committed to the WTO rules.  
4.402.   In the following part of our statement I  would like to highlight some key elements of the 
trade relations between the Kyrgyz Republic and Canada.  
4.403.   The share of import by the Kyrgyz Republic dominates under the export, what reflects the 
need of the Kyrgyz Republic of the goods from Canada.  
4.404.   The m ain exports goods from Kyrgyzstan to Canada are during the last years are: inorganic 
chemicals, clothing and clothing accessories, parts and accessories for cars, machines designed for 
specific industries, special, scientific and control devices and device s, power generating machines 
and equipment.  
4.405.   Import from Canada to the Kyrgyz Republic is mostly represented by goods mining purposes 
as machinery and parts thereof, substances necessary in mining. Other important items of import 
to the Kyrgyz Republic are  represented as follows: pharmacy production, goods from plastic, certain 
types of building materials and others.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.406.   Besides the trading of goods, the service sector has also further potential for growth. In this 
context, we suggest to the delegation of Cana da to expand tourism sector of the Kyrgyz Republic 
and widen cooperation and trade in services sector between our states.  
4.407.   As part of exploring the possibilities of expanding economic and investment cooperation, we 
would like to propose to consider the pos sibility of establishing cooperation with Canadian companies 
and enterprises. It could be initially forming  the basis for establishing and diversifying direct business 
ties between the two countries.  
4.408.   I would like to note the constructive cooperation betwe en the Kyrgyz Republic and Canada 
based on mutual respect and equality, and we cannot stop on accomplished level. I hope that by 
joint efforts will be able to bring our bilateral relations to new horizons.  
4.409.   Coming to the logical end of my statement, we wis h a successful 11th Trade policy Review 
to the delegation of Canada.  
MALAYSIA  
4.410.   Malaysia associates itself with the statement delivered by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN.  
4.411.   Since the last review, there has been an uncertainty to the challenging economic backdrop . 
While so, Malaysia applauds Canada the concerted effort to address slower economic growth by 
making strategic investments in physical and social infrastructure, innovation, science and research, 
and skills and training. During the period of 2015 -2018, Ca nada's GDP ranking has remained steady. 
Canada was the world 's 10th largest economy in 2015 to 2017.  
4.412.   At the multilateral front, Malaysia appreciates Canada 's strong support and commitment to 
fair and predictable trade through the rules -based multilateral trading system, especially in this 
moment when some other members turn inward and retreating to protectionism.  
4.413.   On WTO reform, Malaysia commends Canada for t he leadership role in effort to improve and 
strengthen the WTO and Canada 's active role in resolving this issue, and we hope that the needs 
and interest of the developing members will remain as a priority. At the same time, we are 
encouraged by the efforts  by Canada in the various Joint Statement Initiatives including the Joint 
Statement adopted at the previous 11th Ministerial Conference on MSMEs and Ecommerce; as well 
as Investment Facilitation for Development. Malaysia looks forward to working closely wi th Canada 
and all other Members on moving these initiatives forward in the WTO.  
4.414.   We also commend Canada in its commitment in assisting other developing Members to 
integrate and benefit from the multilateral trading system through technical assistance and ca pacity 
building activities. This include Canada 's contributions to the Standards and Trade Development 
Facility (STDF) that enable Programme to be undertaken to assist developing countries comply with 
international food safety, animal and plant health stan dards and therefore, access agricultural 
markets more easily.  
4.415.   Canada has been an important partner in trade and investment for Malaysia. In 2018, the 
total trade between Malaysia and Canada rose 3.8% to USD  1.69 billion. Total exports increased by 
0.6% to USD 880 million while total imports expanded by 7.4% to USD  810 million.  
4.416.   In terms of investment, a total of 87 manufacturing projects with Canadian participation, 
valued at USD  240 million, were implemented as of 2018. These projects created more than 
10,000 employment opportunities for Malaysians. Canada is also an important destination for 
Malaysia 's direct investment abroad. In 2018, Canada was the 5th largest recipient of Malaysia 's 
direct investment abroad.  
4.417.   The economic partnership between Malaysia and  Canada is further enhanced through the 
ASEAN -Canada Dialogue Partner which cooperates on political and security issues, regional 
integration, economic interests, inter -faith dialogue, transnational crime and counterterrorism, 
disaster risk reduction and o ther areas.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.418.   On the Trade Policy Review, Malaysia has submitted several questions in writing and we 
would like to thank the delegation of the Canada in advance for the respective responses. Malaysia 
is rather interested in seeking more clarification on the competition policy in Canada as well as IP 
regime.  
4.419.   Finally, Malaysia would like to congratulate Canada for its robust economic growth during 
the review period and wishes Canada a successful trade policy review. Malaysia also takes this 
opportunity to congratulate Amb assador Stephen De Boer for his dedication in leading the Permanent 
Mission here in Geneva and the Canadian team for the active engagement here with other Missions 
at the WTO.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.420.   This delegation did not submit any written questions within the dead line; we will now, 
however, be submitting some questions on the issue of competence and we are grateful in advance 
to the Canadian delegation for any answers that it can give us.  
4.421.   From the Secretariat report, we observe that the Canadian economy has had mod erate 
GDP growth, low inflation, a relatively stable federal government debt -to-GDP ratio, a decreasing 
current account deficit and a depreciation of the real exchange rate. Although the effects of external 
shocks weakened its growth, Canada implemented mo netary and fiscal policy stimuli and managed 
to contain the impact on its economy.  
4.422.   We also welcome Canada's efforts to diversify international trade and foreign direct 
investment, together with the inclusive approach focused on transparency, the environmen t, SMEs, 
gender issues and the country's indigenous peoples. Our attention is also drawn by the new policy 
and the impetus that it is giving to the tourism sector, which has reported strong growth in recent 
years.  
4.423.   Canada entered into a number of free trade  agreements during the period under review, 
under which it grants preferential tariff treatment. Provisions have also been included in these 
agreements on intellectual property, an issue which occupies an important place in Canada's trade 
policy and one fo r which it has a new strategy, focused primarily on companies. Of particular note 
is Canada's accession to the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons 
Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled, which marked the 20th deposit of an 
instrument of accession and gave rise to the Treaty's entry into force on 30  September  2016. 
El Salvador was the second country in the world to deposit its instrument of accession to the treaty.  
4.424.   At the bilateral level, Canada and El Salvador established diplomatic relations 57 years ago 
and the Salvadoran diaspora in Canada is one of the largest in Latin America. We also share 
important cooperative ties based on multilateral and bilateral initiatives, through which Canada has 
provided  support in the areas of security and education.  
4.425.   Where bilateral trade is concerned, dual -track goods traded between Canada and El  Salvador 
increased by 29.6% in 2017. The value of Canadian products exported to El Salvador totalled 
USD 78.6 million in 2017 , while that of Salvadoran exports to Canada totalled USD  37.1 million in 
2017. The total amount of Canadian direct investment in El Salvador was USD  965 million in 2016. 
As can be seen, Canada is a very important trading partner for El  Salvador and we att ach great 
importance to strengthening such trade ties in the future.  
4.426.   At the multilateral level, as reflected in the Secretariat report, Canada has been actively 
involved in the regular work of the WTO committees, and in the negotiations, settlement of disp utes, 
surveillance and multilateral initiatives. It has also played a leading role by chairing a number of 
WTO bodies and promoting initiatives such as those related to trade and gender in the WTO, and 
also through its work on WTO reform.  
4.427.   Canada has formal ized its accession to the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and has 
completed the procedures and implemented its commitments under the Information Technology 
Agreement (ITA) Expansion. Lastly, attention is drawn to Canada's commitment to the multilateral 
trading system and its regular fulfilment of its transparency obligations.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.428.   In view of all the foregoing, it only remains for us to congratulate Canada on its excellent 
results, and to wish it every success in this exercise.  
GEORGIA  
4.429.   Canada has a diversified and sophisticated economy, with the services sector accounting for 
around 70% of GDP throughout the 2014 -18 review period. At the same time, Canada is among 
world 's largest producers of natural resources, including timber, oil, gas, minerals, a nd ores. 
Agriculture, energy and mining remain important drivers of Canadian trade and of its trade policy. 
Among services, real estate and wholesale and retail sales have the largest share of GDP.   
4.430.   Canada was the world 's tenth -largest economy in 2017, co mpared to eleventh in 2013. Also, 
in 2017, it was the world 's twelfth -largest merchandise exporter – unchanged from 2014. Canada 
ranked as the world 's eighteenth -largest commercial services exporter and the fourteenth -largest 
importer of commercial service s, in 2017. These numbers speak for themselves.  
4.431.   Georgia commends Canada 's strong trade expansion that started in the second half of 2016 
and in 2017 as the economy responded to stimulative monetary and fiscal policies, which was 
preceded by two years of re latively weak growth in 2015 and first part of 2016. Growth continued 
as well in 2018.  
4.432.   The trade and economic relations between Georgia and Canada has shown some fluctuation 
over the years. Even though the last two years demonstrated relative slowdown in trade by 19% 
decrease in trade turnover in 2018 as compared to 2017, the 5 months of this year displayed 13% 
increase in trade turnover compared to the same period of 2018, which looks promising and brings 
in hopes for the further trade expansion.  
4.433.   The mai n export commodities that showed significant increase in recent period are wine, 
mineral water and other products revealing important potential for further export enhancement.  
4.434.   The investment flow from Canada to Georgia takes its path since 2006 estimating  over 
USD 15 million up to date. Considering Georgia 's favourable  and liberalized investment climate, 
which is being improved by means of recent reforms, we are to witness a considerable growth of 
investment capacity in coming years.  
4.435.   It is also crucial to  outline that 2 rounds of negotiations on the conclusion of the Agreement 
between Georgia and Canada for the Promotion and Protection of Investments have already been 
held and the 3rd round is planned to take place by the end of July in Canada. We hope to finalize 
the negotiations process in near future, as it will serve as a strong incentive to promote bilateral 
investments and encourage private sector representatives to fully exploit business opportunities in 
both countries.  
4.436.   I am delighted to note that c onsistent increase of the number of tourists from Canada to 
Georgia (amounted up to about 30 000 in last 5 years) contributes to the further developing of 
Georgia 's tourist sector (8.6 million international visitors since 2014).   
4.437.   In conclusion, I would li ke to express Georgia 's strong willingness to further expand our 
bilateral trade cooperation and diversification in the future.  
4.438.   With this, I wish the delegation of Canada a very successful review.  
PANAM A 
4.439.   We welcome the commitment with which Canada partici pates in the WTO and recognize its 
efforts to strengthen the Organization through the Ottawa Group, with the aim of strengthening the 
multilateral trading system. We believe, however, that the entire membership should participate in 
these discussions regar dless of the volume of their trade.  
4.440.   Canada is an important trading partner of Panama. Between 2013, when the Free Trade 
Agreement between the two countries came into force, and the present, more than 99% of the tariff 
lines have been completely liberalized . Similarly, in 2018, trade between the two countries amounted WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  to USD  115 million, with Canada's principal exports comprising coins, agricultural products, paper, 
valves and medicines, while Panama exported salmon and agricultural products to Canada. Trade  
also takes place between the two countries through the Colon Free Zone, to an approximate total 
value of USD  25 million. Where foreign direct investment (FDI) is concerned, Canada is the third 
most important country for Panama, since in 2017 11% of its to tal FDI derived from that North 
American country, to a value close to USD  5.6 billion.  
4.441.   Trade in services is also important, as Canadian companies working in the areas of finance 
and mining have established themselves in Panama. There are also considerable tourism exchanges 
between the two countries, with direct flights from the cities of Toronto and Montreal to Panama City 
and charters to Rio Hato, operated by three airlines from both countries, carrying a total of 200,000 
passengers in 2018.  
4.442.   In the maritime sector, Canadian trade is facilitated by the Panamanian ports and the 
Panama Canal, providing access from the port of Vancouver to the ports of Europe. In addition, in 
2018, trade along routes from the east coast of Canada to the west coast  of Latin America and from 
the west coast of Canada to Africa grew by double digits, thanks to use of the Panama Canal.  
4.443.   We congratulate Canada on its sustained economic growth during the period under review 
and its participation in world trade in both good s and services, demonstrating the importance of this 
sector for its economy. With specific reference to the WTO, we are grateful to Canada for its active 
participation in negotiating groups, such as those on investment facilitation, micro, small and 
medium -sized enterprises, women's empowerment and e -commerce, along with the commitment 
that it has shown in the negotiation of subsidies for fishing and agriculture, through its valuable 
contributions. Lastly, we would like to acknowledge the outstanding recent  participation of 
Ambassador de Boer as chair of the Council for Trade in Goods.  
4.444.   We wish Canada success in this TPR.  
HAITI 
4.445.   The Haitian delegation commends Canada on its stance and its strong commitment to 
supporting fair and predictable trade through a rules -based multilateral trading system as a driving 
force of global development and economic growth.  
4.446.   The Haitian delegation also welcomes Canada's policy designed to attract more foreign 
investment. At the same time, however, it encourages the c ountry's authorities to eliminate the 
restrictive measures still in force in certain sectors.  
4.447.   The Haitian delegation notes Canada's commitment to the WTO, which is the forum par 
excellence for the conduct of discussions to foster a predictable environment for the review of trade 
disputes and the search for appropriate solutions, as evidenced by its efforts to find a solution to the 
problem of the appellate body and its involvement in discussions on WTO reform.  
4.448.   The Haitian delegation appreciates Canada's sup port for Haiti, which, as a least developed 
country (LDC), benefits from a range of programmes that are enabling the country to improve its 
performance in certain areas.  
4.449.   The Haitian delegation commends Canada on the role that it plays in international 
cooperation to meet the needs of developing countries, including LDCs.  
4.450.   Lastly, the Haitian delegation takes this opportunity to wish Canada's delegation every 
success in the present Review.  
BENIN 
4.451.   The delegation of Benin associates itself with the statements ma de by the groups of which 
Benin is a member.  
4.452.   The delegation of Benin congratulates Canada on the progress that it has made since its 
Tenth Trade Policy Review in 2015, through strategic investments in physical and social WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  infrastructure, innovation, science  and research, and skills upgrading and training, measures which 
strengthened confidence and boosted short -term spending and which augur well for the future 
growth of the productive capacity of the Canadian economy.  
4.453.   The strength of the Canadian economy, re flected in an exceptional 3% growth in 2017, is 
fuelling federal revenue growth, while sustaining a declining debt -to-GDP ratio and protecting the 
long-term sustainability of the economy. In 2018, Canada's unemployment rate fell to its lowest 
level in 44 y ears. 
4.454.   Canada's economy is open, diversified and highly developed, with trade playing a crucial 
role. 
4.455.   The delegation of Benin welcomes the sustained efforts of the Canadian Government to 
respond effectively to international developments by pursuing its prio rities, namely:  
• support for the rules -based system;  
• export diversification;  
• promoting inclusive trade.  
 
4.456.   As the 12th largest exporter and 12th largest importer of goods in the world in 2017, Canada 
has grown to become the 18th largest commercial exporter an d 14th largest commercial exporter of 
services in the world, accounting for 2.4% of world trade with an open and diversified economy.  
4.457.   At bilateral and regional levels, Canada is making continued and significant efforts to 
diversify its trade to enable expo rters to take advantage of opportunities in key emerging markets.  
4.458.   At the multilateral level, Canada believes that the WTO must remain relevant and responsive 
to a global trading environment that has been in constant flux since its inception and to continue  to 
serve as a platform for economic growth through trade. Canada is therefore making continued efforts 
to improve the dispute settlement system, to make it more effective and efficient for all Members.  
4.459.   The delegation of Benin also welcomes the valuable co ntribution make by Canada to the 
negotiations and initiatives under way at the WTO, in particular in the areas of e -commerce and the 
promotion of women's empowerment.  
4.460.   In conclusion, the delegation of Benin would like to commend, in the context of bilateral  
cooperation, the excellent cooperative relationship between Canada and Benin, which is constantly 
being strengthened, to combat poverty and promote economic and social development in Benin.  
4.461.   The delegation of Benin thanks the WTO Secretariat and the Govern ment of Canada for the 
very informative reports prepared for the current session of the country's Trade Policy Review.  
4.462.   It wishes Canada every success, and a favourable Trade Policy Review.  
TRINIDAD  AND  TOBAGO  
4.463.   Throughout the history of our diplomatic contact, the relationship between Trinidad and 
Tobago and Canada has been characterised by cooperation, reciprocity and mutual respect. Bilateral 
collaboration between our nations remains strong and vibrant, particularly in the areas of security , 
health, information technology, education, training and agriculture and the environment.  
4.464.   Trinidad and Tobago and Canada enjoy a cordial relationship and we are encouraged by the 
growth of the Canadian economy during the period under review. We have noted  that at the time of 
Canada 's last Trade Policy Review (TPR), the global economic situation was quite uncertain, with 
Canada 's economic growth being dampened by sharply declining oil prices, which affected the 
economy. Trinidad and Tobago 's trade relations hip with Canada has traditionally been robust and 
the scope of that relationship has expanded over time with Canada becoming one of Trinidad and 
Tobago 's top trading partners.  
4.465.   We are heartened that Canada recognizes the need to address concerns that trade,  and 
globalization do not benefit everyone. Canada is promoting and pursuing an inclusive approach to WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  trade as a core approach to address those concerns. We urge Canada to continue to consider the 
development needs of many of its WTO partners and take nece ssary steps to ensure that this 
Organization 's work has an appropriate development dimension. We remain optimistic that Canada 
will be active in supporting developing countries.   
4.466.   Canada 's efforts to support international development in the areas of Trade Facilitation, Aid 
for Trade, Capacity Building, and Recognizing the Needs of Least Developed Countries are 
commendable.  
4.467.   We have noted Canada 's Export Diversification Strategy which commits new resources to 
assist Canadian Small and medium -sized enterprises  (SMEs) develop export strategies, build global 
partnerships, and gain skills and training needed for global trade.  
4.468.   Allow me to reiterate the significance which Trinidad and Tobago attaches to its relations 
with Canada. As we look toward the future, I wis h to assure you that Trinidad and Tobago remains 
committed to deepening and enhancing this important partnership, governed by mutual respect, 
cooperation and friendship.  
4.469.   We wish Canada a successful Trade Policy Review.  
JORDAN  
4.470.   We congratulate Canada for th e economic growth in the second half of their review period , 
reaching 2% in 2017 and achieving a low unemployment rate in 2018.  
4.471.   Jordan and Canada enjoy excellent bilateral relations. A free trade agreement between 
Jordan and Canada entered into force in 2012 and bilateral trade grew from USD 7 million in 2012 
to USD 121 million in 2018. Jordanian exports increased from USD 15 million in 2012 to 
USD 75 million in 2018. Canadian exports to Jordan were USD 62 million in 2012 compared to 
USD 46 million in 201 8. 
4.472.   Jordan attaches great importance to its relations with Canada which always hold further 
promising opportunities for both countries.  
4.473.   Finally, we wish Canada all prosperity and a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ISRAEL  
4.474.   Israel is pleased to note that intern ational trade has continued to play an essential role in 
the Canadian economy, which has largely maintained an open trade regime and has pursued liberal 
trade and investment policies driven by strong internal demand, economic reforms, domestic 
expenditure and a very successful services sector.  
4.475.   We note that, during the period under review, Canada 's trade policy was focused on 
diversifying international trade and foreign direct investment, focusing on transparency and small 
and medium -sized enterprises, among  other topics.  
4.476.   Israel witnessed this directly through the modernization of the Canada -Israel Free Trade 
Agreement, through which Canada and Israel made substantial changes to the existing FTA. This 
modernized FTA is hopefully bound to increase the already substantial two -way merchandise trade 
between Canada and Israel, which, in 2018, stood at almost USD 2 billion, more than three times 
higher than 20 years ago when the CIFT Agreement came into effect.  
4.477.   I also wish to note the Canada -Israel Industrial Resear ch and Development Fund that serves 
as a platform for the collaboration between Israeli and Canadian companies on issues that relate to 
technology and innovations.  
4.478.   At the multilateral level, Israel values Canada 's contribution to the WTO, where we have 
shared values and supported common areas of interest. We have, in addition, collaborated in various 
for a, such as the Friends of the System, and participated in plurilateral initiatives such as the ITA 
and, recently, the Joint Initiative on Electronic Commer ce and Domestic Regulations.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.479.   Canada has also taken a leading role in the ongoing WTO reform work through the Ottawa 
Group, and we are grateful for this. It is Israel 's view that Canada has stood firmly as a strong 
advocate of the multilateral trading syste m throughout the existence of the WTO and especially 
during the period under review.  
4.480.   In closing, we would like to take this opportunity to, once again, extend our appreciation and 
wish Canada every success in this Trade Policy Review.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.481.   As one of the world 's top trading nations, Canada plays an important role in the multilateral 
trading system and by promoting the principles of fair, predictable and rule -based trade, it acts as 
a champion of the WTO. Moreover, by adopting an inclusive appr oach to trade – that is built on 
gender equality, transparency, empowerment of underrepresented groups, consideration of labour 
rights and environment in trade agreements – Canada is setting out commendable examples.  
4.482.   During the review period, Canada 's economy has registered solid economic indicators, with 
diversified trade, the two ways trade flows amounting for more than two thirds 2/3 of the GDP and 
increasing investments as the driving forces. As part of its progressive trade agenda, Canada has 
conso lidated and modernized its network of free trade and investment protection and promotion 
agreements.  
4.483.   Canada and Republic of Moldova have enjoyed over 25 years of evolving commercial 
relations and in the two last years only, our bilateral trade flows have d oubled. The main products 
exported include wines (which we hope you all can also try next time you are in Quebec or Ottawa 
alongside with Japanese sake), juices, fresh and dry fruits, nuts and apparel. Moldovan merchandise 
imports from Canada primarily com prise frozen fish, automobiles, electric machinery, wood, alcohol, 
pharmaceutical products, tanning and dye chemicals and others. At the same time, Canada remains 
an important investor in the Republic of Moldova. Currently there are around 70 enterprises w ith 
Canadian capital operating in Moldova and we aim to encourage and attract more investors in our 
country.   
4.484.   Last year, in Ottawa, our Governments have signed the Foreign Investment Promotion 
Agreement (FIPA) along with a joint declaration on progressive  and inclusive trade, intended to 
provide greater predictability and certainty for investors, to deepen the economic ties and to expand 
investment opportunities bilaterally.  
4.485.   Our progressive cooperation is also reflected in the work undergone in this house . We highly 
appreciate Canada 's engagement in the plurilateral and multilateral initiatives in the WTO, in 
particular, I will emphasize the joint statements on e -commerce, domestic regulation of services, 
investment facilitation and Micro, Small and Medium -Sized Enterprise, the declaration on women 
and economic empowerment, all of which mark important milestones for the WTO negotiations in 
which Canada 's contribution is valuable and Republic of Moldova is willing to continue our 
engagement in all of these i nitiatives.  
4.486.   The Republic of Moldova also commends and highly appreciates the Canada 's important role 
in the Aid -for-Trade program, capacity building and assistance projects which reaffirms its 
commitment to support development across WTO membership.  
4.487.   My delegation attaches great value to the declared desire of the Canadian authorities to 
protect and build global confidence in the benefits of the liberalized trade and the multilateral system 
that supports it, safeguarding the economic health of all trading nations.  
4.488.   Before concluding, allow me to congratulate the Canadian delegation on the successfully 
ongoing Trade Policy Review and wish them utmost success in continuing the good work and 
advancing their trade policy endeavours . My country is interested in strengthening our engagement 
and partnership both on the bilateral and multilateral levels, with a view of enhancing our fruitful 
cooperation.  
  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  PAKISTAN  
4.489.   At the outset, we wish to congratulate Canada on the milestones it has achieved during t he 
period under review.  
4.490.   Pakistan and Canada share excellent bilateral cooperation in the areas of trade, economic 
and social sector development with collaboration on a range of issues at the WTO. Bilateral trade 
between Pakistan and Canada stood at US D 886.95 million in FY 2017 -18 with Pakistan having a 
trade deficit of US D 365.71 million. During the first six months of FY 2018 -19 (July -December ), 
Pakistan 's exports to Canada stood at US D 138.96 million, an increase of 13% as compared to the 
previous period . 
4.491.   Around 68 % of Pakistan 's exports to Canada are in Pakistan 's traditional sectors i.e., Textile 
and Leather articles. Pakistan is the 10th largest exporter of Textile and leather articles to Canada 
and a beneficiary of the Canadian General Preferential T ariff (GPT).  
4.492.   Canada has imposed antidumping duties on export of Carbon Steel Welded Pipes from 
Pakistan. Pakistani exporters have been cooperating fully with Canadian authorities to provide all 
necessary information and we hope that the matter will be res olved amicably.   
4.493.   In the area of services, Pakistan has raised the issue of business visas with Canadian 
authorities in view of a high rejection rate for Pakistani businessmen. At a recent meeting between 
Pakistan 's Commerce Minister and Canada 's Minister of International Trade and the Minister of 
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship, Canada agreed to reduce the timeframe for visa issuance for 
Pakistani businessmen. Similarly, various travel advisories issued by Canadian authorities have 
hampered Business t o business cooperation and meetings in Pakistan. Pakistan sincerely hopes that 
these issues will be resolved in wake of strengthening future bilateral trade and economic 
cooperation at all levels.  
4.494.   Pakistan and Canada cooperate on a range of issues at the WTO, particularly as part of the 
Cairns group in Agriculture negotiations and as Friends of the System. We wish to particularly 
highlight the positive and active role played by Canada at the WTO under the leadership of 
Ambassador Stephen de Boer for his ef forts to advance discussions on improving and safeguarding 
the multilateral rules -based trade system.  
4.495.   We wish Canada success in its future endeavours to achieve its targets for economic growth, 
prosperity and global integration and look forward for greate r collaboration towards our shared 
goals.  
4.496.   At the end, we wish Canada a very successful and fruitful TPR.  
NIGERIA  
4.497.   Since the last review, Canada, has maintained one of the most liberal trade and investment 
regimes globally, which serves as the backbone of it s successful integration into the global economy. 
We note from the Secretariat report, that between 2015 and 2018, the economy of Canada grew at 
an average of 3.0% in 2017 and 2018 1.8%. It is also worthy of note that Canada has achieved a 
high standard of  living for its population, with its GDP per capita in nominal terms at USD 46,182 in 
2018. In this regard, Canada should be commended for sustaining these characteristics, 
strengthened by an open trade and investment regime and supported by transparent re gulatory 
settings. Therefore, Nigeria, like other WTO members, can benefit from Canada 's remarkable 
achievements, which illustrates how an open trade and investment regime is crucial in harnessing 
the benefits of global integration.  
4.498.   We are encouraged to no te that consistently, Canada takes its rights and obligations in the 
WTO seriously. For example, by actively participating in the regular work of the WTO committees, 
negotiations, dispute settlement, monitoring, and plurilateral initiatives. Canada has con tinually 
played a leadership role in the area of trade and gender in the WTO and also duly notified the WTO 
of its acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in 2016. Nigeria is also strongly 
committed to the seamless implementation of the TFA, i n the context of the ongoing reforms by the WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  Government, including improvements in the business environment, especially, ease of doing 
business. In this regard, there are useful lessons to be learnt from Canada 's experience.  
4.499.   Nigeria is pleased to note the strong commitment of Canada in taking a balanced and 
progressive approach to strengthen the functions of the WTO and preserve its credibility and 
relevance. We both share these core objectives. As partners, Canada should be c ommended for its 
active engagements, with open mind and pragmatic approach, in the joint initiatives; such as 
domestic regulation on Trade and Services, e -commerce, investment facilitation for development, 
and MSMES. The most recent Joint Statement on Dome stic Regulation was co -sponsored by Nigeria 
and was officially signed by 56 WTO Members through their Ministers at Paris. Nigeria shares the 
view that such Joint initiatives seeks to complement the multilateralism and not undermine it.  
4.500.   Notwithstanding its  achievements, as noted in the Secretariat report, Canada is faced with 
some economic challenges, notably, its exposure to the global market has indeed created a 
permanent challenge to improve the competitiveness of the Canadian economy. We are mindful of 
these challenges, mentioned in the Secretariat report. However, we are happy to note that the 
Authorities of Canada are already implementing appropriate measures, as well as taking action 
necessary, to address some of these challenges.  
4.501.   In conclusion, my de legation would continue to work closely with Canada and the rest of the 
membership during this period. We are confident that Canada, would continue to play its role as an 
active player and make its contributions according to its capacity.  
4.502.   We wish Canada a  successful 11th TPR review exercise and congratulate the entire 
delegation for their engagement.  
JAMAICA  
4.503.   Jamaica has had a longstanding and mutually -beneficial relationship with Canada over the 
years on multiple fronts.  
4.504.   Canada is also home to a large Jamaican diaspora and is one of the leading contributors to 
the high tourism flows to the island each year.  
4.505.   In terms of bilateral trade, Canada is around third among Jamaica 's main export markets, 
with exports amounting to USD 207 million in 2018. In that same year, Jamaica 's import bill from 
Canada was valued at approximately USD 127 million. Jamaica 's main exports to Canada include: 
alumina, beverages, and non -traditional food items. Among Jamaica 's main imports from Canada 
are food, vegetables, machinery  and transport equipment, and manufactured goods. Jamaica has 
consistently maintained a trade surplus with Canada since the early 1980s, mainly due to the exports 
of alumina.  
4.506.   It is important to note the mutually -beneficial nature of CARIBCAN, under which substantial 
imports from Canada continue to enter Jamaica. Through CARIBCAN, the Canadian market has 
contributed significantly to Jamaica 's objective of expanding and diversifying its exports, increasing 
employment, and increasing value added for exports, as outlined in its National Export Strategy. 
Given that at least 80% of jobs in Jamaica are linked to trade, and most Jamaican exporters to 
Canada operate small and medium enterprises, Jamaica 's trading relationship with Canada 
significantly contributes to  increasing levels of enterprise development and entrepreneurship and 
major policy thrust of the Government of Jamaica.  
4.507.   Jamaica therefore looks forward to the continued operation of CARIBCAN in the years ahead, 
particularly in terms of helping Jamaica to a ttain the targets set out in its National Development 
Plan, Vision 2030, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  
4.508.   We note from the reports that agriculture, energy and mining remain important drivers of 
Canadian trade and of its trade policy , with the services sector accounting for around 70% of GDP. 
Jamaica is therefore of the view that services will remain a very important area of trade between 
both countries for the foreseeable future, and thus strongly encourages the further development o f 
bilateral trade in this important sector.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  4.509.   Canada continues to be an important development partner for Jamaica, at both the national 
and regional levels. Jamaica is therefore appreciative of the support that the Government of Canada 
has given over the yea rs on various initiatives, and we look forward to strengthening our partnership 
with Canada in these and other areas in the future.  
4.510.   We further commend Canada for its active engagement within the WTO, including the 
negotiations on fishery subsidies and agri culture, the Joint Statement Initiatives on E -Commerce, 
investment facilitation and MSMEs, as well as ongoing discussions on WTO reforms.  
4.511.   Canada has also provided general support through trade facilitation, aid for trade, and 
capacity building initiatives geared towards assisting developing country Members like Jamaica and 
least-developed Members within the WTO participate more effectively within the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.512.   Jamaica firmly believes that Canada, as one of the world 's leading economies, c ontinues to 
be an important player, crucial to the preservation and effective operation of the multilateral 
rules-based trading system. In this regard, Jamaica highly values the assurances given by Canada 
of its continued commitment to an open, inclusive a nd rules -based multilateral system, with the 
WTO at its core, and we look forward to working closer with Canada and other Members to promote 
a system that fonctions optimally and yields trade benefits for all, including an improved quality of 
life for all our citizens.  
4.513.   In conclusion, we, once again, commend Canada and extend our best wishes for a successful 
review.  
  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF CANADA  AND ADDITIONAL COMM ENTS  
5.1.  Thank you, Chair. Canada would like to thank the WTO Members who participated on 
Wednesday in our 11th Trade Policy Review. We very much welcome the feedback on our trade 
policies and practices, and also the insight into our longstanding bilateral trade and economic 
relatio nships with many WTO Members. The Trade Policy Review is an important exercise, and we 
will reflect carefully on the helpful feedback that has been provided by Members.  
5.2.  Canada is encouraged by the many Members who voiced their support for Canada 's inclusiv e 
approach to trade, which seeks to ensure that underrepresented groups – including SMEs, women 
and Indigenous peoples - can engage in and benefit from trade and investment opportunities. 
Inclusive trade supports economic growth that is more broadly shared  and maintains public 
confidence in an open, rules -based trading system.  
5.3.  We also took note of the number of Members who commented on Canada 's efforts on 
notification – we are working hard on this front, and will continue to do so, reflective of Canada 's 
ongoing commitment to transparency. Canada is always ready to assist the Secretariat and other 
Members to support fulfilment  of the WTO transparency obligations.  
5.4.  There were also many Members which referenced Canada 's active engagement in advancing 
various on going initiatives at the WTO – such the fisheries subsidies negotiations which are taking 
place this week and the joint statement initiative on e -commerce. These initiatives provide important 
opportunities to update WTO rules to reflect 21st century realit ies. 
5.5.  Given the contribution that bilateral and regional FTAs and bilateral investment treaties make 
to the rules -based trading system, Canada was struck by the number of Members who mentioned 
the highly positive impact that such agreements have had in grow ing our bilateral trade and 
investment relationships. Increasing market access and providing strong frameworks to foster trade 
and investment benefit both Canada – as a trade -dependent economy – and our diverse trading 
partners, and assist us in our effort s to diversify global markets.  
5.6.  Many Members who spoke highlighted Canada 's visible commitment to the WTO, including on 
the important topic of WTO reform. I too would like to recognize the efforts of Canada 's dedicated 
Mission here in Geneva – Ambassador d e Boer and his team work hard every day to advance 
Canada 's engagement on WTO and WTO reform  issues . 
5.7.  We have received over 650 written questions to date and have already answered those 
questions which came in at the beginning of the week, in addition to th e responses provided to 
questions received before the TPR. We are committed to answering promptly those questions which 
have come in more recently as well as any additional questions, within the next few weeks.   
5.8.  Please allow me now to provide some reactio ns to several key areas where Members have 
expressed concerns.  
Trade remedies  
5.9.  A number of you noted the increase in anti -dumping and countervailing measures that Canada 
has put in place. It is worth pointing out that there were a similar number of initiat ions in the previous 
review period, but that there are more measures in force now due to the cumulative nature of the 
measures. The increase in AD and CVD measures in force is the result of an increase in industry 
petitions and is consistent with global tr ends over this period. Furthermore, the measures which 
Canada has taken are primarily limited to a narrow range of products that may be affected by 
underlying issues of concern – such as global steel overproduction capacity.   
5.10.   Anti-dumping and countervailing measures are legitimate tools to address situations where 
trading practices of foreign firms or Governments are causing – or threatening to cause – injury to 
our domestic industry. Importantly for any measures taken by Canad a – Canadian investigations, 
including global safeguard investigations, are conducted by arm 's length bodies in a transparent and 
impartial manner, in accordance with WTO rules.   WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  Agriculture  
5.11.   Agriculture is also a recurring theme in the comments and questions of a large number of 
Members.  
5.12.   Where agriculture is concerned, we are continuing the liberalization of our market at 
multilateral, bilateral and unilateral levels. We have made significant progress in reducing our 
agricultural tariffs since our la st Trade Policy Review. The proportion of duty -free agricultural tariff 
lines under the most -favoured -nation (MFN) regime has risen since 2015 from 59.6% to 68.5%. 
In 2017, Canada also carried out a unilateral tariff elimination exercise, which included th e 
elimination of intra -quota tariffs covering a variety of imported ingredients for agri -food processing.  
5.13.   Several comments were also made about Canada's supply -management system, which makes 
it possible for dairy, poultry and egg producers to derive fair r eturns from their labour and investment 
and ensures that consumers have access to a consistent supply of high quality products. Canada 
provides significant market access for supply -managed products through its WTO commitments and 
has recently raised the le vels of its market access commitments by establishing tariff quotas under 
the CETA and the CPTPP. Canada is also in the process of implementing additional market access 
under the CUSMA. The CUSMA also includes new transparency provisions for milk pricing t hat apply 
to both Canada and the United States.  
5.14.   Canada recently announced support measures to help its dairy, poultry and egg producers to 
adapt to new trade agreements. Canada is working to implement this new commitment with a view 
to ensuring compliance with its international trade obligations.  
5.15.   Where the elimination of export subsidies is concerned, at the end of 2015 Canada removed 
wheat, coarse grains, oilseeds, oilcakes, vegetable oils and vegetables from its schedule of 
commitments. The remaining expo rt subsidies will be eliminated by the end of 2020, in line with the 
Nairobi Ministerial Decision on Export Competition. As mentioned by several Members on 
Wednesday, negotiations to strengthen the rules and restrict Members' ability to provide agricultura l 
domestic support measures that distort production and trade are a key factor in discussions on 
agricultural reform and remain a priority for Canada. Canada intends to maintain its leadership at 
the technical level in preparation for the next Ministerial Conference in June  2020.  
5.16.   With regard to the concerns expressed about the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we wish 
to clarify that the Partnership incorporates several programmes that meet the green box criteria of 
the Agreement on Agriculture, including the AgriStability programme, along with a suite of 
programmes implemented to promote innovative and sustainable growth in the sector, to support 
the diversity and dynamism of the sector as it develops, and to boost trade and expand market 
access.  
5.17.   Canada is  aware of the backlog in its notifications of domestic support in agriculture, and is 
working hard to improve its internal procedures for the preparation of notifications.  
Investment Canada Act/review  
5.18.   A number of Members noted concerns with the Investment Canada Act. The Investment 
Canada Act is Canada 's primary mechanism for reviewing foreign investments in Canada. Its purpose 
is twofold: to review significant foreign investments to determine if they are likely to be of net benefit 
to Canada; and to review  foreign investments that could be injurious to national security.  
5.19.   Since Canada 's last TPR, the Act was amended to improve transparency – including a statutory 
obligation to report annually on the administration of national security provisions, as well as  
publishing the national security review guidelines, which include a non -exhaustive list of the factors 
considered in assessing a proposed investment.  
5.20.   Understanding that acquisitions by State -Owned Enterprises can pose unique concerns, the 
SOE Guidelines u nder the Investment Canada Act provide that issues of state influence, control and 
commercial orientation are examined as part of net benefit reviews. Canada also applies a different 
threshold for review of acquisitions by SOEs as compared to private inves tments. Canada has WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  welcomed extensive investments by SOEs under the Investment Canada Act and will continue to 
welcome SOE investments that are commercially motivated and of likely net benefit to Canada.  
5.21.   As many delegates noted on Wednesday, the Governmen t of Canada has recently taken 
several steps to improve Canada 's investment climate and implemented several measures to 
increase Canada 's ability to attract and facilitate high -impact foreign direct investment and the jobs 
that come with it, including thro ugh Invest in Canada.   
5.22.   As attested in some Member interventions, Canadian companies are also significant investors 
abroad – in many sectors and markets – and this drives our efforts to improve transparency and 
predictability through a rules -based global i nvestment regime.  
Log export restraints  
5.23.   Canada notes the comments made by some Members regarding its log export programs. 
Canada 's log export processes are administered in a transparent and efficient manner. In British 
Columbia, approvals processes for lo gs do not constitute a restriction on exports as almost all of 
fibre subject to a surplus evaluation is deemed eligible for export.  
Intellectual property  
5.24.   Canada is committed to maintaining a sound and efficient intellectual property (IP) regime 
that is con ducive to innovation, investment, and economic growth. As a part of this commitment, 
since 2015, Canada has modernized all of its key IP statutes including the Patent Act, Copyright Act, 
Industrial Designs Act, and Trade -marks Act, the latter of which incl uded extensive legislative 
reforms to expand Canada 's open geographical indications regime. Additionally, Canada 's IP 
Strategy launched in April 2018 further complements Canada 's regime by developing new IP tools 
for businesses, increasing awareness with r espect to IP protection, and countering IP misuse that 
harms both consumers and businesses.   
Government Pograms for Business   
5.25.   Some WTO Members raised questions about Canada 's government programs for supporting 
business, such as the CanExport program provided by Canada 's Trade Commissioner Service. The 
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service is equivalent to a trade promotion organization combined 
with an investment attraction agency. Its mandate is to help companies navigate international 
markets and help attract foreign direct investment to Canada. The main role of Canada 's trade 
commissioners, located in over 160 cities worldwide, is to provide companies with business insights 
and access to international contacts.  
5.26.   The CanExport program provides l imited funding to small and medium -sized enterprises of 
any given industry for activities such as market research and travel to trade fairs in order to develop 
new export markets. Given the pre -export focus of the program, the support provided is non -trade 
distorting.  
Temporary Entry  
5.27.   Canada takes note of the concerns raised with respect to acquiring work permits for foreign 
professionals. Canada manages labour mobility through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program 
(TFWP) and the International Mobility Progr am (IMP). Both serve as tools for employers to address 
labour market needs, and to reinforce Canada 's economic growth.  
5.28.   The TFWP ensures that Canadians and permanent residents have first access to available jobs. 
This is done through the Labour Market Impac t Assessment, which requires that employers look 
locally before seeking to meet their human resource needs abroad. More recently, the TFWP, and as 
part of the Global Skills Strategy (GSS), introduced the Global Talent Stream (GTS) which expedites 
the proce ssing of LMIAs for in -demand occupations principally in IT, science and engineering for 
multinational innovative corporations seeking to establish and grow their operations in Canada.   WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  5.29.   In its first two years, over 40,000 people have taken advantage of the  Global Skills Strategy, 
including nearly 24,000 highly skilled workers in occupations such as computer programming, 
information system analysis and software engineering.  
Development  
5.30.   I want to acknowledge comments made by some Members on Canada 's engagement with 
respect to trade and development, including Aid for Trade and preferential treatment for LDCs. 
Canada firmly believes that trade is and must continue to be an engine of growth for all Members of 
the Organization. As highlighted in our report, development provisions in WTO rules are intended to 
foster the ability of developing countries to become full participants in the multilateral trading system 
and to help them reap the benef its of WTO membership. Going forward, we must reflect on how we 
incorporate development considerations in trade rules in our discussions in a renewed manner, and 
we welcome all Members ' engagement on this fundamental aspect of the Organization. We intend 
to continue to work with Members to implement new WTO agreements in a manner that addresses 
legitimate concerns of developing countries while maintaining the integrity of the system.  
Conclusion  
5.31.   In conclusion Mr. Chair, please let me reiterate that Canada i s a trading nation. In the face of 
global uncertainty on trade, we continue to pursue economic growth through trade liberalization, as 
well as diversification of our exports into global markets. We firmly believe our international trade 
relationships are m utually beneficial, and, with our inclusive approach to trade, we are seeking to 
ensure that these benefits are widely shared in our own society, and in those of our trading partners. 
The more our citizens can see the benefits and opportunities flowing fro m trade and investment 
opportunities, the more confidence they will have in the open, rules -based trading system – with 
the WTO at its core.  
5.32.   I would like to thank WTO Members once again for your thorough and insightful comments, 
as well as our Chair , Ambas sador Teehankee, and Ambassador Gonzalez, our discussant. Finally, I 
would also like to thank the WTO Secretariat for your diligent work in preparing the report for this 
review.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.33.   Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to start by thanking and cong ratulating the Canadian 
delegation led by Ms. Kendal Hembroff for their commitment to this transparency exercise, your 
constructive and open approach, and for providing complete and timely replies to the more than 
600 questions received for this TPR.  
5.34.   I would also like to commend Canada for choosing the alternative timeframe for its Trade 
Policy Review, as it provides further time and useful information to Members to prepare their 
feedback to the Member under review.  
5.35.   I have organized my closing remarks arou nd the following four broad topics as I took note of 
our discussion on Wednesday where more than 50 delegations took the floor , and one more today, 
which are : the economic environment; the trade and investment regimes; trade policies and 
practices; and Canada's role in the WTO.  
5.36.   On the economic environment, Members recognized the good economic performance of the 
Canadian economy thanks to its countercyclical fiscal policies among other factors. GDP growth has 
been moderate, inflation low, the federal governm ent debt to GDP ratio has remained relatively 
stable, and the current account deficit has declined.  
5.37.   Members also noted the diversification and sophistication of the Canadian economy, 
underlying its global standing in size, its participation in trade, and t he abundance of natural 
resources.  
5.38.   As for the trade and investment regimes, many Members highlighted Canada' s inclusive 
approach to trade, with its focus on transparency, labour  rights, the environment, small and medium 
size enterprises, gender, and indigenous peoples.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  5.39.   Canada' s active trade negotiation agenda was also acknowledged, both for the new 
agreements such as CETA, CPTPP and the Canada -Ukraine FTA, as well as for the mod ernization of 
existing ones such as the Canada -United States -Mexico Agreement and the bilateral FTAs with Israel 
and Chile. In some cases, it was noted by Members, and something that might be worth to follow 
up on, the potential impact of some of these Agr eements on third parties, as well as the systemic 
implications of some of their provisions as they get implemented.  
5.40.   With regards to Foreign Direct Investment, Members recognized the reforms made to facilitate 
and promote inward investment, but at the same  time expressed concerns about the persistence of 
restrictions in some sectors, a subject of attention in previous TPRs.  
5.41.   On trade policies and practices, although there was an overall positive assessment of Canada 
as an open economy, several elements were raised as areas for consideration or further 
improvement.  
5.42.   First of all, as compared with previous reviews, the increase in the use of trade remedies by 
Canada was noted.  
5.43.   Also, the agriculture sector continued to be a focus of attention from Members as in  previous 
TPRs, due to different instruments such as tariff rate quotas, tariff escalation, tariff peaks, non -ad 
valorem tariffs, and the support and supply -management system, in particular related to eggs 
poultry and dairy products.  
5.44.   Similarly, several Mem bers raised the issue of national treatment of alcoholic beverages, and 
called for the adoption of non -discriminatory measures consistent with WTO commitments.  
5.45.   As for Canada' s role in the WTO, it was widely praised as an example for fulfilling its 
notific ation obligations.  
5.46.   Also, the ratification of the TFA, the implementation of ITA, and the support of Canada to 
developing countries and LDCs through preferential tariff treatment and other mechanisms such as 
the TFA Facility and Aid for Trade was commended.  
5.47.   Furthermore, Members highlighted the role played by Canada in the Ottawa Group to promote 
and facilitate dialogue on how to strengthen the multilateral trading system.  
5.48.   Canada' s active participation in ongoing WTO negotiations, especially on fisheries subs idies, 
as well as its role in supporting the work of the Joint Initiatives, in particular leading the discussions 
on trade and gender, were also recognized.  
5.49.   Finally, I would like to highlight the widespread importance expressed by Members with 
respect to their bilateral relationship with Canada, and their interest in deepening their economic 
and trading ties with this Member of the WTO.  
5.50.   Mr. Chairman, in closing, I wish to thank you for inviting me to act as discussant in this TPR  
in my personal capacity . It has been an honour  and a pleasure to do so. I wish to congratulate again 
the Canadian delegation for their active participation in this TPR, and wish to the ones returning 
home a very safe and happy return, hopefully after enjoying some of Geneva 's sunsh ine by the lake.  
NEPAL  
5.51.   It is appreciable that economic fundamentals of Canada are encouraging. During the review 
period (2015 -18), the Canadian economy was characterized by moderate GDP growth, low inflation, 
a relatively stable federal government debt -to-GDP ratio, a declining current account deficit, among 
others. Similarly, having a diversified and sophisticated economy, with the services sector 
accounting for around 70% of GDP, one of the world 's largest producers of several natural resources, 
including  timber, oil, gas, minerals, and ores, Canada 's agriculture, energy and mining remain 
important drivers of Canadian trade and of its trade policy. It is encouraging to note that the export 
sector of Canada creates one in six job.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  5.52.   We would like to appreciate that Canada has been providing 98.6% preferential tariff 
treatment unilaterally for the LDCs since 1983. In addition to duty -free quota -free market access, 
Canada also applies preferential rules of origin to LDC.  
5.53.   Nepal and Cana da enjoy excellent bilateral relations ever since the establishment of diplomatic 
relations on in 1965. The relations between the two countries are based on cordiality, goodwill, 
mutual understanding and cooperation. We appreciate the support of Canada in socio economic 
development of Nepal including the support provided during the devastating earth quake of 2015. 
Regarding export trade performance between Nepal and Canada, the latter enjoys the surplus in 
total trade. As of 2017, the total value of export of Nepal to Canada is Rs 8 million and value of 
export of Canada to Nepal is about Rs 90 million. Regarding the items of trade, Nepal exports to 
Canada mainly carpets, garments and handicrafts while Canada exports machinery, electronic 
equipment, medical e quipment and parts and so on.  
5.54.   Though the goods trade between two countries is not encouraging, there is enormous 
opportunities to for the partnership in services trade including tourism, ICT, health, education, 
among others.  
5.55.   Since Nepal has undergone the state restructuring, including formation of new constitution, 
election under the federal system and stability to the Government which have created highly 
conducive environment for the investment and technology transfer in hydro power, digital and 
physical infrastructure development, agriculture, among others. As Nepal is celebrating 2020 as 
"Visit Year ", may I take this opportunity to cheer the government officials and people of Canada to 
visit beautiful Nepal for having lifetime experience.  
5.56.   We value the relationship between the two countries and expect strengthened partnership for 
our socio -economic development. We wish Canada a great success for the Trade Policy Review.  
UKRAINE  
5.57.   At the outset , Ukraine would like to thank the Canadian delegat ion for its fruitful and 
constructive participation in this T rade Policy Review , in particular, for the comprehensive responses 
to the Ukraine 's written questions.  
5.58.   We also would like to express our sincere appreciation to Ms. Kendal Hembroff, Head of 
Canad ian delegation, for the systemic and in -depth analyses of the Members ' concerns and 
comments and to the discussant Ambassador Juan Carlos Gonzalez for the helpful profound 
comments delivered this morning.  
5.59.   We don 't have any specific follow -up questions to p ose. Nevertheless, the issues of improving 
market access for agricultural products are of paramount importance for Ukraine and from the 
systemic point of view we are interested in further intensification of cooperation in this area.  
5.60.   Ukraine is willing to w ork closely with Canada both on bilateral track under the 
Canada -Ukraine Free Trade Agreement and through the discussions in the WTO, sharing the common 
objectives of maintaining and strengthening the multilateral trading system.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.61.   Let me firs t thank Canada for the comprehensive overview presented last Wednesday and this 
morning of the main developments occurred in its trade and economic policy during the review 
period.  
5.62.   We would also like to thank Canada for having provided timely replies to th e questions raised 
by the EU. The answers gave some useful clarifications on the issues we had raised.  
5.63.   On a limited number of issues, we had additional follow -up questions which have been 
transmitted to Canada or have already been discussed bilaterally.  In this regard, we look forward to 
continuing our cooperation with Canada in the framework of the CETA, including about resolving 
some of our concerns in that context.  WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  5.64.   The discussion on the first day of the review has shown that many Members share the EU 's 
positive views about the constructive role that Canada plays within the WTO and in international 
trade.  Allow me here to pay a special tribute again to the excellent cooperation that there is between 
the EU Mission, Ambassador De Boer, John O'Neill and the team.  
5.65.   We are also looking forward to our continued cooperation in all the relevant multilateral and 
plurilateral fora.  
5.66.   On behalf of the EU, I  would like to  congratulate again Canada for concluding this productive 
and successful review.  
UNITED  STATES 
5.67.   The delegation of the United States wishes to express its appreciation to Director General 
Kendal Hembroff for her excellent stewardship of Canada 's Trade Policy Review. We also wish to 
recognize and express our appreciation for the extensive efforts ma de by Canada 's Geneva Mission 
and other government officials to respond to the questions raised by Members during this Review.  
5.68.   To Ambassador Gonzalez, we thank you for your insightful remarks which helped guide us 
through this Review, and we greatly apprec iate the work of the Secretariat staff in preparing the 
policy review documents that made these discussions possible.  
5.69.   We thank Director General Hembroff for her remarks this morning and her efforts to address 
the comments offered by Members during this Rev iew. In particular, we appreciate the remarks 
acknowledging Members ' questions related to supply management and interest in Canada 's 
intellectual property regime.  
5.70.   The active participation of Members in this Trade Policy Review only serves to highlight the 
keen interest we share in trade -related developments in Canada.  
5.71.   The United States submitted a number of written questions and we appreciate the timely 
responses we have received. The responses will be helpful to us as we continue our engagement 
with Canad a, bilaterally, regionally and here at the WTO.  
5.72.   We have also submitted follow -up questions related to agriculture, to clarify some of Canada 's 
earlier responses, and we look forward to Canada 's written responses.  
5.73.   As the United States noted in our questions and statement, we remain interested in updates 
to Canada 's intellectual property regime. We are concerned that certain federal and provincial 
measures governing the sale of alcohol in Canada discriminate against imported goods, and that 
high tari ffs on dairy products restrict competition from the United States and other Members. We 
will continue to engage on these and other important issues.  
5.74.   In conclusion, we appreciate the opportunity to participate in Canada 's eleventh Trade Policy 
Review. We of fer our congratulations to Director General Hembroff and her team on a useful and 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
CHINA  
5.75.   Like other Members, China attaches great importance to the TPR. We appreciate the 
opportunity to participate in this Review and provide our concerns to Canada.  
5.76.   We appreciate the replies provided by Canada and we will further study them.  
5.77.   In closing, we congratulate Canada 's delegation for a successful TPR.  
MS. KENDAL  HEMBROFF  (HEAD  OF DELEGATION)  
5.78.   I don 't have too much to add. Certainly, we have very much appreciated the opportunity to 
be able to participate in our eleventh Trade Policy Review. This has been a very fruitful exchange WT/TPR/M/38 9 • Canada  
 
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  over the last few days, and certainly we look forward to continuing to wo rk with WTO Members as 
we find ways to be able to refine and improve our trade policies.  
5.79.   I think the only comment that I would make is just to thank everyone here who has actively 
participated in this process since the Secretariat and Government reports we re share with all 
Members. We look forward to doing this again in another five years ' time. 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This eleventh Trade Policy Review of Canada has indeed allowed us to understand the important 
developments in the economic, trade and investment regime of Canada over the last four years. I 
would like to thank the Canadian delegation headed by Ms. Kendal Hembroff, Director General, Trade 
Negotiations, Global Affairs Canada, for their very active participation and engagement in this 
exercise. I would also like to thank our discussant, Ambassador Juan Carlos Gonzalez, Permanent 
Representative of Colombia to the WTO, for his remarks and insightful words that have propelled 
these discussions, as well as the 53 delegations which took  the floor during this meeting.  
6.2.  Members commended Canada for its overall solid economic performance. They noted that 
during the review period the Canadian economy has been characterized by moderate but improving 
GDP growth, low inflation, a relatively stab le federal government debt to GDP ratio, and a declining 
current account deficit. The economy had adjusted to lower oil prices and the ensuing deterioration 
of its terms of trade through the implementation of stimulative monetary and fiscal policies. We al so 
noted that the unemployment rate, at 5.8%, was at its lowest level in over 40 years. By maintaining 
an open and competitive economy, Canada had achieved a high standard of living for its population, 
with GDP per capita exceeding USD 46,000 in 2018.  
6.3.  Members commended Canada 's work in the WTO, in particular its leadership role in many areas, 
including the Ottawa Group to further WTO reform. Members also praised Canada for its contribution 
to the regular work of Committees and for its commitment to stre ngthen the multilateral trading 
system overall. Several Members noted that Canada was pioneering the pursuit of an inclusive trade 
agenda by taking into account the particular needs of women, MSMEs, and Indigenous peoples in its 
trade and related policies.  Members also appreciated Canada 's track record in providing timely 
notifications to the WTO. Several Members showed appreciation for Canada 's support of 
least-developed countries, particularly with respect to the Aid -for-Trade and Trade Facilitation 
initiatives.  
6.4.  Members also noted the importance of trade for Canada, with aggregate two -way commercial 
trade flows equivalent to 65% of GDP. Members acknowledged Canada 's efforts to diversify its trade, 
as exemplified by the recently launched Export Diversificat ion Strategy.  
6.5.  The reports and Members ' interventions noted that not only had Canada continued to pursue 
liberalization initiatives in the WTO, as for example, the ITA, fisheries ' subsidies, agriculture, 
domestic regulation, and others; it had also been act ive in pursuing new bilateral or plurilateral 
agreements during the period. Additional market access, as well as the new disciplines incorporated 
into the EU -Canada Comprehensive and Trade Agreement (CETA), the Canada -Ukraine Free Trade 
Agreement (CUFTA), the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans -Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the 
Canada -United States -Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), were all expected to have a further positive 
impact on trade, investment, and employment for Canada in the future. The modernization of 
existing FTAs was also noted as an important development.  
6.6.  On investment, Members highlighted the importance of an open and transparent investment 
regime as FDI played an important role in the Canadian economy. While there had been some 
liberalization of  investment during the review period, many inquired about longstanding restrictions 
and hoped these could be addressed. Some Members also noted that they were recipients of 
Canadian outward investments, from which they both mutually benefitted.  
6.7.  Members app reciated the implementation of changes to Canada 's internal trade regime as the 
Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) had been replaced by the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) 
in 2017. Not only was this expected to bring about improvements in domestic mark et access and 
other efficiencies, but it would better align Canada 's domestic regime with commitments in its 
international agreements.  
6.8.  Members noted that Canada 's average MFN applied tariff had remained relatively stable at 
6.1% in 2019 and that the number  of duty -free tariff lines had increased since the last review, to 
over 70%. This was partly due to unilateral MFN liberalization under ITA II. However, averages 
continued to differ considerably between agricultural and non -agricultural goods. Canada was 
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  streamlined border processes through various programmes, and some noted that improvements in 
this area were still possible.  
6.9.  Some Members expressed concern about nation al treatment issues in Canada 's regime relating 
to the taxation and sale of alcoholic beverages. It was noted that reduced or zero excise taxes 
applied to domestic brewers and to wine made entirely from Canadian -grown agricultural products. 
In addition, im portation, inter -provincial/territorial trade, and retail sale of alcoholic beverages 
remained the exclusive business of provincial and territorial Liquor Control Authorities, which did not 
always guarantee a fair and competitive environment.   
6.10.   Members not ed that Canada is an active user of trade remedy measures, and that recourse 
to them had risen during the review period, as witnessed by the increase in the number of measures 
in place. They called on Canada to show restraint in the use of these measures a nd they also queried 
Canada with respect to legislative changes introduced during the review period. We note and thank 
Canada for their direct responses to this concern of Members and I hope more dialogue can take 
place in this area.  
6.11.   Noting that Canada was  a major player in agricultural trade, some Members were of the view 
that Canada 's agricultural sector was characterized by numerous commodities in which Canada was 
a globally competitive exporter, but also by inward -looking supply management systems appli cable 
to dairy, eggs, and poultry. Canada 's supply management was underpinned by imports subject to 
tariff quotas, high out -of-quota tariffs averaging 238.7% for dairy, and pricing arrangements and 
restraints on domestic producers that distorted competitio n. Canada was encouraged to be 
transparent in its dairy pricing policies and any new assistance provided to dairy farmers and 
processors, and to undertake further domestic reforms to demonstrate Canada 's commitment to 
global reform of agricultural trade.  
6.12.   Canada received over 650 written questions and has provided timely replies to most of them, 
of which Members were highly appreciative. This TPR will be successfully concluded once replies to 
the follow -up questions are received in one month 's time. The larg e number of questions and active 
engagement by over 50 delegations is testament to the importance of Canada to the multilateral 
trading system and it is clear that Canada has been a strong supporter of the multilateral trading 
system and the TPR process in  both its words and actions. The Trade Policy Review Mechanism 
indeed has a role for engendering constructive dialogue among Members and in increasing 
transparency. May I then add my word of congratulations to Canada on the successful conclusion of 
this Tr ade Policy Review and thank all the delegations for their cooperation and assistance.  
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