CANADA/CHINA/NAFTA/TRADE DEALS: “Canada is pursuing expanded trade with China as part of a pivot to Asia that comes as significant differences cast a shadow over negotiations to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to arrive in China on Sunday [12-3-17] for a trip that will include stops in Beijing and Guangzhou, and the two countries are widely expected to announce the start of talks on a free-trade deal during his visit. China and Canada wrapped up the latest round of exploratory talks in September.
The trip could help strengthen Canada’s hand in Nafta talks by signaling to Washington there are other markets where it can seek freer trade. Still, there are significant hurdles to a far-reaching trade deal with Beijing, including trepidation at home. Plus, Canada risks causing friction with trading partners that Canadian firms rely on for sales.
Ottawa’s goal for the trip is to promote a trade agenda aimed at creating jobs and economic growth, Mr. Trudeau’s office said this week. Representatives of the prime minister declined to comment about talks on a free-trade agreement.”
-Paul Vieira, “As Nafta Tensions Simmer, Canada Pursues Trade With Asia,” The Wall Street Journal online, Dec. 1, 2017 10:41am