The Honourable Helena Guergis, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport), today announced the successful conclusion of a new air transport agreement with the Philippines to increase trade and tourism. She made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister responsible for the Pacific Gateway and Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, and the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

Secretary of State Guergis met with Senior Undersecretary Thomas Aquino of the Department of Trade and Industry, Government of the Philippines, on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting in Arequipa, Peru, to make the announcement.

“I am very pleased to announce a new and expanded air transport agreement between Canada and the Philippines, which will enhance relations between our two countries,” said Secretary of State Guergis. “Expanded air services are an important contributor to trade in goods and services, providing increased capacity and access to more choices for both passenger and cargo traffic.”

“The new Canada-Philippines air transport agreement should facilitate further growth in trade, investment and tourism,” said Minister Cannon. “The new provisions are a reflection of Canada’s ongoing commitment to creating a greater range of travel options for passengers, shippers, air carriers and airports.”

The new provisions provide greater market access options for airlines from both countries for passenger-cargo combination services. In addition, both governments reached agreement on a new, flexible regime for the operation of air-cargo services, which will also contribute to the success of Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative. In 2007, two-way trade between Canada and the Philippines amounted to $1.2 billion.

The new agreement marks another step forward in the government’s move to liberalize Canada’s air transport agreements under Canada’s Blue Sky policy. Both countries have agreed to explore further areas for possible liberalization. Air carriers are reviewing the results of these negotiations
to determine what new air services initiatives may be introduced.

For further information: Lynn Meahan, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, Ottawa, (613) 992-7332; Karine White, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and
Communities, Ottawa, (613) 991-0700; Trade Media Relations Office, Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Canada, (613) 996-2000; Media Relations: Transport Canada, Ottawa, (613) 993-0055; Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at www.tc.gc.ca/e-news and keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.

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