Canada and Thailand reach new bilateral agreements

"The Team Canada 1997 trade mission has given Canada's Year of Asia Pacific a roaring sendoff and demonstrates the strong and growing relationship between Canada and Thailand," said the Prime Minister. "These bilateral agreements will help create a more secure business environment, so important for trade and investment, and expand our education, scientific and industry links."

The nine new agreements are:

- a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement, which will provide greater protection for investors from both countries;

- a memorandum of understanding for mutual technical assistance and cooperation on taxation, excise and customs administration;

- an agreement to conclude a mutual recognition agreement regarding fish inspection and control system;

- a memorandum of understanding on environmental cooperation;

- two separate memorandum of understanding on academic cooperation between the Province of Nova Scotia, the province of New Brunswick and the Ministry of University Affairs;

- a letter of intent for the provision of satellite data to the National Research Council of Thailand by Radarsat International;

- a letter of intent on training between the University of Saskatchewan and King Mongkut Institute of Technology;

- a cooperation agreement between the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters and the Federation of Thai Industries.

A backgrounder which describes the new agreements signed in Thailand is attached.

PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555

Foreign Investment Protection Agreement
Canada and Thailand have signed a Foreign Investment Protection Agreement which establishes improved conditions for investment and enables Canadian investors to compete in a stable, transparent environment. The main features of the bilateral agreement include: "Most Favoured Nation" status and national treatment for investors with very limited screening; compensation for investors in the case of expropriation; and the right of investors to international arbitration in the case of disputes. Canada has maintained sectoral exemptions in areas such as culture.

Memorandum of Understanding between Revenue Canada and the Ministry of Finance of Thailand
This memorandum of understanding (MOU) will allow the two countries to enhance their tax, excise, and customs administration. It marks the tenth anniversary of mutual assistance and co-operation between the Ministry of Finance of Thailand and Revenue Canada.

Procès Verbal toward a Mutual Recognition Agreement on the Equivalency of Fish Products Inspection and Control Systems
Through the signing of a Procès Verbal, Canada and Thailand have recognized the significant progress that has been made toward a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) on inspection and control systems for fish and fishery products. A MRA would also seek to improve efficiencies and reduce duplication in these systems. Under the agreement, the Thai Department of Fisheries would be the responsible authority for approving plants in Thailand to export products to Canada. Those products would be subject to a reduced frequency of inspection. The two countries have agreed to work as quickly as possible to complete a MRA and obtain the necessary legal authority to bring it into force.

Memorandum of Understanding on environmental cooperation between the Ministry of Science and the Department of the Environment
This environmental co-operation agreement provides the framework for bilateral work on various projects and activities, such as environmental laws, pollution prevention and global environmental issues.

Two Separate Memorandum of Understanding on academic cooperation between the Province of Nova Scotia, the Province of New Brunswick and the Ministry of University Affairs
This memorandum provides the framework within which detailed proposals for programs of co-operation in education and training are to be jointly considered between the two parties. It covers the development of institutional links at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, diploma programs, specialized training courses and the promotion of staff and student exchanges, as well as the exchange of information and co-operation in developing specific education projects and programs, and in research and development.

Memorandum of Understanding on academic cooperation between the Province of New Brunswick and the Ministry of University Affairs
This memorandum provides the framework within which detailed proposals for programs of co-operation in education and training are to be jointly considered between the two parties. It covers the development of institutional links at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, diploma programs, specialized training courses and the promotion of staff and student exchanges, as well as the exchange of information and co-operation in developing specific education projects and programs, and in research and development.

Letter of Intent for a Radarsat Network Station Licence Agreement between the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) and RADARSAT International
This letter of intent confirms NRCT's intention to receive data directly from the Canadian Radarsat satellite and conclude a Network Licence Agreement with RADARSAT International Inc.

Letter of Intent on integrated congress development between the University of Saskatchewan and King Mongkut Institute of Technology
This letter of intent confirms the collaboration between both parties regarding the training of KMITL staff for the new campus in the Chumphon province. The University of Saskatchewan will provide advisory services and participate in science park development and joint doctoral degree programs in targeted areas of science and technology.

Cooperation Agreement between the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters and the Federation of Thai Industries
This agreement provides a framework whereby both parties agree to exchange professional experiences relating to services rendered to their respective associates, facilitating their relationships and providing adequate support for the successful outcome of specific programs.