Canada and the UK announced the formation of a joint trade working group aimed at strengthening economic ties between the two countries on the eve of the G7 summit in Alberta.
Establishment of the Working Group
The announcement came in a joint statement as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made his first official visit to Canada. During talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, they discussed deepening existing partnerships and creating new economic opportunities. The working group is expected to provide recommendations to both PMs within six months.
Priority Areas for Cooperation
The new working group will address market access barriers and enhance cooperation in promising areas such as digital trade and artificial intelligence infrastructure. These sectors are considered key to both countries' economic resilience. Canada and the UK aim to make their economies more competitive and innovative.
Strengthening Relations and Military Cooperation
Canada committed to introduce legislation to ratify the UK's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership. This agreement includes 11 countries such as Japan and Australia. In addition to economic ties, the joint statement highlighted the expansion of defense cooperation between the two countries.
The establishment of the trade working group and the reaffirmation of trade and defense commitments signify a step towards closer cooperation between Canada and the UK, especially amidst changing global economic landscapes.
