VANCOUVER, March 22, 2013 /CNW/ - The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Coalition
applauds the commitments made in Economic Action Plan 2013 to improving
and enhancing Canada's foreign trade zone policies and programs.
The Coalition believes that the evolution of Canada's foreign trade zone
policies and programs is critical to the continued growth of our
economy and welcomes the leadership the federal government has shown in
building Canada's gateways by taking concrete steps we believe will
grow Canada's international competitive capacity.
The FTZ Coalition is encouraged by Economic Action Plan 2013's
announcement of red tape and cost reduction measures which include:
-
Elimination of the annual registration fee for the Customs Bonded
Warehouse Program
-
Simplification of the application process for new FTZ initiatives
-
Acceptance of applications for new FTZ single window initiatives to
deliver FTZ programs at strategic locations in Canada
-
Provision of $5 million over five years to market Canada's FTZ programs
The Coalition appreciates the Economic Action Plan's recognition that
FTZs are a crucial component of Canada's pro-trade and business growth
strategy and looks forward to further dialogue with the Government of
Canada for the purpose of sharpening FTZ policy development and
implementation.
The FTZ Coalition is a grouping of major transportation related
corporations dedicated to enhancing Canada's foreign trade zone
policies and programs. Members of the coalition include: Global
Container Terminals, Canadian National (CN), Canadian Pacific (CP),
Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Vancouver Airport Authority,
Greater Vancouver Gateway Council, Prince Rupert Port Authority,
CentrePort Canada, Port Metro Vancouver, Montreal Port Authority,
Halifax International Airport, Aéroports de Montréal, Winnipeg Airports
Authority and Halifax Port Authority.
Foreign trade zones are important drivers of international trade
utilized by customers around the world. They are typically organized
around major seaports, international airports and transportation nodes,
and are proven to create employment opportunities.
SOURCE: Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Coalition
