The time is ripe for Canadian companies looking to invest in Latin America and the Caribbean. This was the resounding message delivered by 10 Ambassadors and Trade Ministers representing Colombia, Brazil, Peru, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Venezuela during an armchair dialogue at the 2009 Dinner of the Americas eventon Friday in Vancouver.
Canadian investment and expertise in the areas of infrastructure, services, telecoms, education, oil and gas sectors and tourism are welcome in the region, where countries like Colombia have emerged from decades of political strife to enjoy stability, security and a strong democracy.
The Honourable Stockwell Day,Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Mr. David Morris, Director of the Summits of the Americas Secretariat for the Organization of American States, were featured speakers at the event hosted by the Canadian Council for the Americas.
The Canadian Council for the Americas is the leading non-profit organization with the mandate to promote and facilitate trade, investment and technological connections between Canada and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean.
QUOTES
“In terms of civilization, you[Canada] are closer to us than Asia. I think you can be a bridge [between LatinAmerica and Asia].” – H.E. Paulo Cordeiro de Andrade Pinto, Brazilian Ambassador to Canada
“Intelligent companies can associate with intelligent companies and look for opportunities.” – H.E. Paulo Cordeirode Andrade Pinto, Brazilian Ambassador to Canada, on how B.C. investors and companies can break into the Brazilian market
“Latin America is a region that is growing. We are receiving investors from all over the world.” – H.E. Jaime Giron Duarte, Colombian Ambassador to Canada
“I hope that those of you who are interested in a free trade discussion between Brazil and Canada would make your voices known. Signals from the private sector are absolutely key for senior officials and our elected representatives to hear what you think is needed to help improve, strengthen and deepen those trading relationships that exist.” – H.E. Paul Hunt, Canadian Ambassador to Brazil
“I would say if there is an opportunity [for a free trade discussion with Brazil], the opportunity is now.As we’ve come through the G20 discussions in Washington and London and to Trinidad and Tobago with the Summit of the Americas, there were very clear signals from Prime Minister Harper and President Lula in terms of being absolutely dead set against protectionism.” – H.E. Paul Hunt, Canadian Ambassador to Brazil
“The Dominican Republic is the main trade route to Haiti, a country of nine million people.” – H.E. Patricia Fortier, Canadian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic
“Canada is well respected in the energy, oil and gas, and mining sectors.” – Mr. Daniel Vézina, Senior Trade Commissioner to Peru
For more information
Canadian Council for the Americas
Tel. 778-388 5206, anudelman@cca-bc.com