The Port of Québec Acknowledges the Canada–European Union Free Trade Agreement

10/29/2013

Québec, October 29, 2013 – The Québec Port Authority (QPA) wishes to acknowledge the Canada–European Union (EU) free trade agreement signed by the two parties on October 18. The signatories of the agreement believe it can lead to a significant increase in commercial trade between Canada and the EU.

In Ottawa today for the tabling in the House of Commons of the agreement in principle between Canada and the EU, Mario Girard, President and CEO of the QPA, wanted to express his enthusiasm for the agreement: "This free trade agreement is excellent news not only for the Port of Québec but for the region and the entire country. An agreement like this will help secure this strategic market for Québec’s maritime community and open new horizons for the future."

Québec is strategically located at the centre of a natural trade route with Europe, and its geographic proximity to the European market is a major asset for the Port of Québec. For example, transit time between Québec and Rotterdam is shorter than between New　York and Rotterdam. The Port of Québec currently deals with ten or so European countries for tonnage related to North American industries in transportation, agri-food products, the energy sector, and mining and metals. In 2014, wood pellets headed for England will be added to these goods.

The agreement is aligned perfectly with the trade position supported by the QPA. The agreement will enable Canadian importers and exporters of cereal, petroleum products, ore, concentrate and other solid bulk cargo to benefit from special trade access to the European market. As a reliable and strategically positioned multimodal platform, the Port of Québec is sure to be a key player in these future trade deals.

The Québec Port Authority is an autonomous federal organization constituted under the Canada Marine Act. According to a study conducted in 2007 by SECOR Consulting, the activities of the maritime and harbour sectors of the Québec maritime industry represent annual economic benefits of almost $800　million for Canada, tax revenues of more than $160　million for the various levels of government, and an essential contribution to supporting approximately 9,800 jobs.

-30-

Source:

Anick Métivier

Assistant Director, Communications and Public Relations

Québec Port Authority

Tel.: 418-648-3640

[email protected]