OTTAWA: Canada is close to reaching a free trade deal with the European Union, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said yesterday.
“We will soon complete negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union,” Harper said in a Twitter message.
He was echoed by EU Trade spokesman John Clancy, who said: “Discussions are indeed continuing at the highest level between the EU and Canada towards a comprehensive free trade deal (CETA) — with the hope to conclude the negotiations in the coming days.”
Official sources told AFP the deal would give the European Union increased access for cheese sales, clearing one of the last hurdles to a free trade pact.
The agreement-in-principle must now be sent back to Canada’s provinces for final approval, they said. AFP
