Türkiye, Canada launch free trade talks

ANKARA

Türkiye and Canada have formally launched negotiations on a free trade agreement aimed at deepening economic ties, according to a joint statement.

The announcement followed talks between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7.

The two leaders instructed officials to begin negotiations on a comprehensive, modern and mutually beneficial free trade agreement, the statement said.

The move follows a joint ministerial statement issued in early June by Trade Minister Ömer Bolat and Canadian International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu, which announced the start of exploratory discussions on a possible deal.

Türkiye and Canada are now moving to the next stage by opening formal negotiations, according to the statement.

The planned agreement is expected to support economic growth, contribute to job creation, increase competitiveness, strengthen global supply chains and expand economic cooperation between the two countries.

Technical teams from both sides will work in the coming months to define the scope and objectives of the agreement and prepare for the first round of negotiations.

“Both governments look forward to working together to advance a high-quality agreement that strengthens the Canada–Türkiye partnership and creates new opportunities for prosperity for businesses, workers and people in both countries,” the statement said.