OTTAWA — A sweeping federal report shows that Canadian businesses aren’t sure a free trade pact will solve all the concerns they have about dealing with China. The newly released report summarizes the issues that more than 600 businesses, academics and civil society groups believed must be resolved before Canada signs a free trade deal with China. There was skepticism that a free trade deal could “meaningfully address the full spectrum of challenges faced by Canadian businesses trading with China,” the report said. Canadian businesses are interested in a free trade deal with China to help them compete with competitors in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Korea that have unfettered access to the Chinese market. The consultation report showed the same concerns from stakeholders who were nervous balancing free trade talks with China and separately with the United States, “in light of U.S. concerns with Chinese steel overcapacity and unfair trade practices.”

Source: National Post November 12, 2017 19:18 UTC