Celebrating 100 years of Canadian German trade relations in 2010

TORONTO, April 14 /CNW Telbec/ - A century ago the first trade-agreement between Canada and Germany marked the beginning of today's excellent business relationship. The Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc. (CGCIC) honored the 100th anniversary at an event together with Cabinet members from Canada and Germany on March 29th, 2010. CGCIC Chairman Marcus Breitschwerdt welcomed more than 200 guests in the Hart House at the University of Toronto. In his opening remarks the Chairman underlined the excellent relationship between the two nations, and confirmed the Chamber's full support for the negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union.

The University's Vice President, Judith Wolfson, greeted the guests in the Great Hall of UofT. Representing early Canadian German trade, the historic Hart House dates back to the days of UofT benefactor Vincent Massey, whose father, Hart Massey, exported farm equipment to Germany as early as 1867.

The Honorable Sandra Pupatello, Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Trade, spoke about the important contribution German companies make to Ontario's open economy. Referencing Germany's strengths in renewable energy technologies she emphasized Ontario's focus on Green Energy.

The Honorable Peter Van Loan, Canada's Minister of International Trade, commemorated these 100 years of trade, and advanced Canada's objectives for continued success as Canada works with EU members toward negotiating a comprehensive trade and economic agreement. "From trade and investment to science and technology, our commercial relationship with Germany is firing on all cylinders. Germany is the largest economy in the European Union and one of our largest trading partners in Europe. It is a key player in our efforts to expand trade, encourage growth and create jobs", said Peter Van Loan.

He was followed by Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Deputy Chancellor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, who took the opportunity to express his gratitude to Canada for its support for German unification during the last decades. In his keynote speech he further emphasized the importance of free trade and celebrated the constantly growing partnership between Canada and Germany based on common values and like-mindedness. "By combining the best of research and science in many countries we stay competitive in a globalized world. In that respect, Germany, the EU and Canada have a lot to offer each other", noted Guido Westerwelle.

Dr. Georg Witschel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Canada, in the closing remarks, pointed to the ongoing campaign "Innovation Germany". Among the guests were The Honourable William C. Graham, Chancellor of Trinity College University of Toronto and former Minister of National Defense and former Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as Bob Rae, House of Commons Member of Parliament and former Premier of Ontario.

    
    Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc. (AHK Kanada)
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The Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce Inc. is the official representative of German trade and industry in Canada. It is the primary contact for Canadian and German companies wishing to do business in each other's countries. More information: www.germanchamber.ca

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: Christiane Doersam, CANADIAN GERMAN CHAMBER OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE INC., [phone], F [phone], [email protected]