[/i]Canada committed to growing its commercial presence in Russia[/i]

June 16, 2013 - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, are in Moscow June 16 and 17, 2013, to attend the Canada-Russia Intergovernmental Economic Commission (IEC) meeting. The IEC is a key forum for Canada-Russia trade and economic cooperation and is co-chaired by Minister Fast and Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Arkady V. Dvorkovich.

“Our government’s top priority is the economy—creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for hard-working Canadians and their families,” said Minister Fast. “That’s why we are working hard to open new markets in large and dynamic economies such as Russia in order to increase Canadian exports and advance and promote Canadian interests.”

“International market access is central to the continued stability and prosperity of Canada’s agricultural value chain,” said Minister Ritz. “Our government will continue to work with our Russian counterparts to maintain and expand opportunities for Canadian producers.”

Russia offers significant opportunities for Canadian exporters and investors. It boasts a highly educated population of approximately 142 million, an advanced science and technology capacity and substantial natural resources that include huge energy reserves, particularly oil, natural gas and minerals.

During his visit, Minister Fast will meet with key Russian officials to strengthen the Canada-Russia trade relationship, including by advancing discussions on Canada’s high-quality agri-food exports to Russia. He will also meet with representatives of Canadian companies already doing business in Russia.

In 2012, Canadian merchandise exports to Russia rose 10 percent over the year before, with Canada-Russia bilateral merchandise trade amounting to $2.6 billion.

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