Canada: Forum on Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU held in Vancouver
The Business Forum and Conference on the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Free Trade Agreement (CETA) was held in Vancouver on June 20. It was aimed primarily at providing information for the business community and entrepreneurs interested in capitalising on opportunities arisingfrom the CETA which is due to come into force soon. The Forum illustrated the main areas for private investments. The first is the food and seafood sectors which will benefit from faster trade procedures to be introduced with CETA, especially for fresh food products. The second sector that offers investment opportunities is technology and innovation, investments and intellectual property, and protected food names and protected geographical indications (PGI). The new procedures to be introduced in this area with the ratification of the CETA will be crucial even for Italian businesses as they will considerably reduce timing and costs for businesses and consumers. The last area is professional services, labour mobility and public procurement which may attract investments thanks to the new procedures and improved transfer requirements for entrepreneurs, workers, students, the recognition of academic and professional qualifications, and visa waivers for some business and professional activities for stays of 90 days or less.
