SSISI Public Policy Brief: International Trade and Investment Agreements: Fit for Future Purpose The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) - A Gold Standard Agreement for Canada and Ireland

ABSTRACT

I have been looking forward to this discussion to take stock of how FTAs can help expand trade and investment, and especially how modern Agreements such the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) are fit for future purpose, designed to help economies thrive in the 21st century. I will focus my remarks today on CETA. I believe that CETA is a modern and progressive trade agreement for Canada, Ireland and the EU. For over 3 and half years now, CETA has built a track record of inclusive, sustainable and durable wealth creation on both sides of the Atlantic. In 2020, CETA has also cushioned our economies against a bigger dip to our trade sectors. COVID-19 has highlighted the interconnected nature of our economies and, by extension, the importance of strong ties. That is why the CETA will be more important than ever in advancing our shared - if not global - economic recovery from COVID-19.