STATEMENT ON THE CONCLUSION OF THE INDIA-CANADA MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE ON TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Today, Pulse Canada issued the following statement on behalf of Chair Corey Loessin:

“Canada’s pulse industry welcomes today’s announcement that the Governments of Canada and India have formally re-launched the India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations and will prioritize concluding an Early Progress Trade Agreement.

“We are encouraged to see the priorities of the Canadian pulse industry featured prominently in trade talks, specifically the focus on advancing Canada’s system-based approach and the inclusion of additional sanitary and phytosanitary measures in an Early Progress Agreement. It will be important to build on the positive momentum from India’s recent announcement regarding the indefinite allowance of pulse imports without penalty in case of fumigation on arrival with Methyl Bromide (MBr) by finalizing a permanent solution based on a recognition of Canada’s systems approach. It is also positive to hear both sides express strong support for international rules-based order and supply chain resilience in critical sectors; keys to economic recovery and growth.

“Pulse Canada supports a continued focus on achieving predictable and transparent policies governing the trade in pulses between Canada, the world’s largest pulse exporting country, and India, the world’s largest pulse consuming country. We want to thank both Minister Ng and the Government of Canada for their ongoing efforts to ensure the focus is on advancing the food security goals of both countries while prioritizing science and rules-based approaches to trade. Pulse Canada will continue to be an active participant in the work ahead to solidify these respective agreements based on predictable free trade, sound science, and mutual respect between our two countries.”

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