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Presentation to Government

Presentation to Government. Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan December 9, 2010. Overview. CCCJ introduction Brief comments on bilateral economic relationship Why we support early conclusion of EPA Our main sector issues Model for private sector dialogue. What is CCCJ?.

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Presentation to Government

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  1. Presentation to Government Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Japan December 9, 2010

  2. Overview CCCJ introduction Brief comments on bilateral economic relationship Why we support early conclusion of EPA Our main sector issues Model for private sector dialogue

  3. What is CCCJ? Voice of Canadian business community in Japan since 1975 Over 300 members include largest Canadian corporations operating in Japan and many small and medium-sized businesses On-the-ground expertise on business developments and trends

  4. CCCJ Role CCCJ welcomes opportunity to offer input into trade discussions between Canadian and Japanese officials Ready to work with other private-sector voices in Canada and Japan on ongoing basis Goal is to promote stronger, more vibrant economic relationship between Canada and Japan

  5. Bilateral Trade Despite impressive rebound in trade volumes in 2010, bilateral trade is falling in relative terms as other markets (China, India, etc.) grow Japan has slipped to become Canada’s 4th largest trade partner Global economic situation has also seen some Canadian firms in Japan downsize as focus turns elsewhere

  6. Trade Challenge Perception remains that return on investment for equal effort may be better elsewhere NAFTA allows Japanese firms to manage North American operations from U.S. base Lack of attention by media and business on bilateral trade and investment opportunities translates into lack of attention by government

  7. Synergies Exist We need to capitalize on natural synergies Japan has capital, technological leadership, markets Canada has resources, technology Exciting opportunities for expanded trade and investment exist Window of opportunity is now U.S. downturn reinforces need for Canada to diversify

  8. Time for EPA CCCJ urges both governments to pursue EPA as matter of priority negotiation will help raise profile of bilateral trade relationship Others are pursuing EPAs or expanded trade – we can’t afford to fall behind Both government and private sector benefit when foundation exists for active dialogue

  9. Benefits of EPA Healthy trade relationship depends on government policies that promote open markets Tariffs already low in most areas But - non-tariff barriers remain EPA allows governments to identify priorities of greatest interest to business communities in more timely manner

  10. EPA Advantages Japan/Canada EPA will: Open new markets for goods and services Promote innovation and competition Enhance living standards Secure access to resources, technology and investment promote transparency Increase flows of people

  11. Risk of Failure Many nations and regions looking to new trading arrangements Lack of Canada-Japan EPA risks compromising common access to mutually beneficial flow of bilateral trade and investment for Canadian and Japanese companies Could also result in diminished competitiveness

  12. Ready to Talk We look forward to detailed discussions with government on those issues identified in our paper Our paper raises issues that need to be addressed now No need to wait for EPA negotiations Other sectors may come to our attention We will raise issues as they arise

  13. Specific Issues Four sector priorities are identified in our detailed paper Financial services Air transport Forest and building products Food and agricultural products

  14. Other Issues Non-traditional issues also of concern to CCCJ members Elimination of JET program Tax deductibility of school fees, spousal employment We’ve had success in past when raising similar concerns with government (i.e. pension benefits)

  15. Ongoing Dialogue Model for ongoing private sector/government dialogue exists Japanese Cabinet Office Expert Committee of the Japanese Investment Council Identified and resolved issues relevant to foreign firms Would complement existing framework for dialogue Similar councils can be set up in Canada and Japan

  16. Thank You Thank you for inviting us to comment We’d be pleased to answer your questions Eric De Groot, President, CCCJ Shawn Lawlor, Chair, EPA Committee, CCCJ Brian Smith, Executive Director (Interim), CCCJ

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