Canada eyes Pacific

Press, 6 December 1979, Page 27

Canada eyes Pacific

PA Wellington Canada has a renewed interest in itself as a Pacific nation and is keen fo reinvigorate trade links here, the leader of a top level Canadian Government delegation said. Mr R. E. Latimer, who is Deputy Assistant Minister for Trade - and Commerce in Ottawa, has just completed two days of talks With New’ Zealand officials 'designed to update New Zealand - Canadian trade agreements which have not been reviewed since 1973.

Mr Latimer said part of 'the change was a result of the election of the new Canadian Prime Minister (Mr Clarke), who was from the Canadian west, unlike Tiis predecessor, Mr Trudeau. ’ “Canada today has a very real interest in the Pacific.” said Mr Latimer. •‘We hope to be able to

relate to New Zealand as a true partner in the Pacific. We’ve got lots in common, and also lots of areas where we compete. Our job is to identify and strengthen the relationship, and find where we are going in the 1980 s." There had been a substantial shift in economic power in Canada, particularly to Alberta and Saskatchewan, and these provinces were keen to strengthen their economic base, which many people felt had been held back because of the manufacturing stages in the east. “There is a sincere desire to develop more of a balance with manufacturing interests in the west at present and to be honest from a Canadian viewpoint the demand and the potential growth in the Pacific area looks promising, as the E.E.C. market becomes tougher. Japan has already replaced

Britain as our second biggest trading partner.

“The Canadian Government now wants to be seen to identify with the Pacific. Our mission’s job is to find the best ways.” Mr Latimer emphasised that the talks had been "exploratory,” and said he did not know what advantages New Zealand could glean from the protectionist Canadian agricultural stance. which applies to virtually everything except lamb and sheepmeats. His delegation of eight, which includes senior representatives from the Canadian Treasury and other departments, will hold similar talks in Australia before returning home.

“There is a lot of good will towards New Zealand in Canada which we hope will lead to our doing things together,” he said.