The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), Ottawa, Canada, on Sept. 17, 2018 applauded the Canadian government, and in particular International Trade Diversification Minister Jim Carr, on the launch of the debate on Bill C-79 – the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) involving Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

This agreement is designed to bring real benefits to Canada’s forest products sector by eliminating tariffs, providing clear provisions to help settle disputes, and prohibiting the unfair blocking of imports.

"Discussion on CPTPP comes at a critical time as we work to further diversify export markets for Canadian wood, pulp, paper, and wood-based bio-fuels and bio-materials," said FPAC CEO Derek Nighbor. "Canada’s world leading reputation for careful and sustainable management of our forests is a real plus for us on the world stage.  We have a tremendous opportunity to leverage this made in Canada advantage and bring more Canadian forest products to the rest of the world," Nighbor added.

Between 2012 and 2017, Canadian forest products exports to CPTPP member countries grew by 18% to over $2 billion, with exports to Vietnam, New Zealand, and Singapore growing the most by 312%, 90% and 89%, respectively.

FPAC believes that by eliminating tariffs and strengthening trade relations with CPTPP countries, Canadian forest products exports have the opportunity to reach even greater heights.

"Canada’s forest products sector supports the passage of CPTPP so we can have priority access to these rapidly growing economies," Nighbor concluded.