International trade is a vital driver of Canada's economic growth, creating high-quality jobs and supporting prosperity across the country. The Government of Canada works to expand global opportunities for Canadian businesses by negotiating trade agreements, providing export support services, and promoting Canada as a premier destination for foreign investment. We are committed to a free, fair, and rules-based international trading system that benefits all Canadians.
Canada has a vast network of free trade agreements (FTAs) that provide our businesses with preferential access to billions of consumers worldwide. These agreements, such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union, reduce or eliminate tariffs and other trade barriers. We continue to negotiate new agreements and modernize existing ones to ensure that Canadian exporters remain competitive in the global marketplace.
We provide a range of services and tools to help Canadian businesses start and grow their exports. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) offers on-the-ground support and expert advice in more than 160 cities around the world, helping businesses identify opportunities and navigate international markets. Export Development Canada (EDC) provides financing and insurance solutions to manage the risks of international trade. Our goal is to help Canadian businesses of all sizes succeed globally and contribute to our national economic growth.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) brings capital, technology, and expertise to Canada, fostering innovation and creating jobs. We actively promote Canada as an ideal location for international businesses to invest and expand. Through Invest in Canada, we provide personalized support to global companies, highlighting our strong economic fundamentals, highly skilled workforce, and favorable business environment. Attracting foreign investment is a key part of our strategy to build a modern and resilient economy.
We are committed to ensuring that the benefits of international trade are shared broadly and that trade is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. This involves promoting inclusive trade policies that support small businesses, women-led ventures, and Indigenous entrepreneurs. We also work to ensure that our trade agreements include strong and enforceable provisions on labor and environmental standards. By promoting fair and inclusive trade, we can build a more equitable global economy that works for everyone.