Full direct diplomatic relations between Canada and Colombia were established in 1953, with the exchange of the first ambassadors. Canada has an embassy in Bogotá, while Colombia has an embassy in Ottawa and four Consulates-General (in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary). Both countries are full members of the Organization of American States.
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Trade
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The top exports from Colombia to Canada are coffee, bananas, coal and fuel.
In 2010 Canada officially entered into the Canada-Colombia Free Trade agreement previously signed in 2008. The news was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Bogotá, Colombia. The agreement officially took effect August 15, 2011.[1] In 2008, the two countries signed a new $1.14 billion dollar bilateral trade agreement (the Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement) at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting. The agreement has led to exchanges of such products including wheat, pulses, barley, paper and heavy equipment and helps the manufacturing and financial industries. Part of the agreement includes Colombia's elimination of child labour, forced labour and workplace discrimination and will eliminate double taxation. Colombia will also eliminate 98% of tariffs on good exported to Canada by 2018.[2]
Foreign Aid
editThe Canadian government announced in February 2009 that it was adding Colombia to its list of preferred countries to receive foreign aid. This list includes 18 countries and the West Bank and Caribbean.[3] In 2016, following the negotiation of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC rebels, Canada offered $21M to "help Colombia make peace deal stick."[4] The funds are designated mainly for National Police training programs, rapid response to "local flare-ups that might threaten the peace," as well as for de-mining. With other world leaders, Global Affairs Minister Stéphane Dion travelled to Cartagena for the signing ceremony. Canada sent observers to witness the referendum, which ended with a rejection of the agreement by a majority of Colombian voters.[5]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Canada Colombia Trade Deal Takes Effect". CBC.ca. August 15, 2011. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
- ^ "Canada signs free-trade agreement with Colombia". CTV.ca. Archived from the original on April 25, 2013.
- ^ Alexander Panetta, "Canada limits main foreign aid recipients to 20 countries", Canada East website (accessed March 3, 2009)
- ^ "Stéphane Dion announces Colombia aid package at historic peace signing". CBC News. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
- ^ "Colombia just voted no on its plebiscite for peace. Here's why and what it means". Washington Post. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
