Canadian Finance Minister Carney Hails New Trade Deals with US Respect for Sovereignty

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to strengthen Ottawa’s trade relationships with various countries, including China, India, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During a meeting with provincial and territorial leaders on Thursday, Carney highlighted 12 new economic and security accords reached over the past six months.

Carney stated that Canada is “more united, ambitious and determined than it has been in decades” and emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities for growth. He also discussed a new trade agreement with China, which aims to lower trade levies, and highlighted its potential benefits for Canada’s agriculture sector, including access to over $7 billion in export markets.

The Canadian prime minister also pledged to advance trading relationships with global giants, including India, ASEAN, and the South American trade bloc Mercosur. Additionally, Carney announced plans to renew Canada’s economic and security relationship with the United States through a joint review of the Canada-United States-Mexico agreement later this year.

Carney’s comments come amid ongoing tensions between Ottawa and the Trump administration, which has previously pushed for Canada to be considered a “51st state.” The Canadian prime minister clarified that Canada is not seeking a free-trade agreement with China, but rather aims to establish mutually beneficial trade relationships.

Source: Al Jazeera