20 November 2008
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will push for greater regional and international co-operation in response to the global economic downturn when he joins his counterparts from 20 other economies at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru.
"It is more important than ever that we work together in resolving the challenges we face in the global economy," said Prime Minister Harper. "As a trading nation, Canadians understand that free and open markets are the best way to ensure the global economy can quickly rebound from this period of global economic instability."
The Prime Minister said he would continue to build on the progress that came out of the just-concluded G20 leader’s summit in Washington DC. International Trade Minister Stockwell Day and Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon will precede the Prime Minister in Lima, where they will attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting on November 19 and 20, 2008.
"Canada’s position on the challenges the world faces is clear," said the Prime Minister. "Every country must take steps to improve their financial system, and we must continue to work to lower barriers to trade and investment so that we can get the world economy moving again."
The 16th APEC Leader’s Meeting will be held on November 22nd and 23rd. APEC includes four of Canada’s top five trading partners. APEC members account for 54% of world GDP, 41% of world population and 42% of global merchandise trade.
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