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OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwire) -- 03/04/13 -- The Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Vic Toews, today announced that the Ambassador of Canada to the European Union (EU), David Plunkett, Ireland's Permanent Representative to the European Union, Ambassador Rory Montgomery, and Director General of DG Taxation and Customs Union in the European Commission, Heinz Zourek, signed a Canada-EU agreement on customs cooperation related to matters of supply chain security. The agreement was signed in Brussels, Belgium.

"This agreement with the EU further demonstrates Canada's commitment to support safe and secure global trade," said Minister Toews. "Working with our international partners to strengthen customs cooperation contributes to our security and supports job creation and economic growth."

"Opening new markets in Europe is a key part of our government's focus on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Minister Fast. "Facilitating deeper trade through agreements like these will help our exporters gain even greater access to the dynamic EU market and strengthen the financial security of workers and businesses in every region of our country."

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) works with its partners, including the European Union's Taxation and Customs Union Directorate General (TAXUD), to protect Canada's security and economic interests. The agreement will expand customs cooperation between the CBSA and TAXUD allowing the two organizations to work together to harmonize advance commercial information requirements, share best practices and collaborate in the development of risk management practices.

The EU is Canada's second largest trading partner with two-way trade in goods and services reaching more than $116 billion in 2011. The Canada-EU Agreement on customs cooperation is supportive of this two-way trade as it provides the platform to further standardize customs processes and enhances the security of our respective borders.

For more information:

http://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/common/international_affairs/third_countries/index_en.htm

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Contacts:
Canada Border Services Agency
Media Line
613-957-6500