Canada pushes for free trade deal with CARICOM

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a renewed call in Jamaica Tuesday for a free trade agreement between his country and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Harper told a joint meeting the Jamaican Parliament that while there are concerns about proceeding with such an agreement at this time of global economic uncertainty Canada is committed to the principle of mutual benefits.

"There is no time like a crisis to seek out new opportunities, and Canada is committed to the principle that a new trade agreement between us must confer mutual benefits," Harper told the lawmakers.

"The Canada CARICOM free trade agreement will be a powerful expression of our collective will to keep borders open and pursue meaningful economic development, and it will build on the long history of trade between us," added Harper, who was in Jamaica for a two-day working visit that ended Wednesday.

He said now is the right time for the agreement, adding that Jamaica is uniquely positioned to lead the way to ensure that CARICOM is a full part of the hemispheric and global economic system.

"Canada's commitment is clear; we are providing financial support and technical assistance to ensure that our negotiating partners are on a level plain field. We are helping small and medium size businesses to develop the skills and technology they need to compete in our free trade future," Harper said.

"Let us resolve to cut through the bureaucratic, diplomatic and political red tape and move forward on a Canada/CARICOM free trade agreement. Let's get it done," he urged.

The Canadian leader said that both countries have an obligation to do whatever they can to protect their citizens from the consequences of the current recession, noting that his government has already taken unilateral action to reduce tariffs. He said he wants to ensure that its "traditional friends of the Caribbean" remain at the forefront of trading relations.

"Jamaicans have the character to excel at anything they put their minds to and, because of these cultural, social and economic bonds, the distance between us grows ever smaller and they represent a strong foundation to do even more together, a foundation to address the challenges and to seize the opportunities that lie before us today," Harper said.