European trade negotiators are in Ottawa this week in a final push to whittle down the issues their political masters will have to tackle during much-anticipated ministerial talks in Brussels next week.
Work began on the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement in 2009. But while the two sides have met regularly for round after round of negotiations — and spoken frequently in between — the Harper government doesn't appear keen to confirm this deal with Europe is heading towards the final countdown.
A spokesman for International Trade Minister Ed Fast, Rudy Husny, says the two sides are in "intensive negotiations" but said CETA talks are a continuation of dialogue that has been underway for some time.
In an Oct. 30 video posted on a European web site, European Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht announced that ministerial talks between himself and Fast would be held "towards" Nov. 20 to try to "close the deal." "There are a number of issues I believe that you can only resolve at the political level," De Gucht said in the video.
The minister's office confirmed Wednesday that Fast will head for Brussels next week to join negotiators already there — but Husny added that those talks will "undoubtedly be followed by further discussions at all levels."
Read more: Canada-EU negotiators making final push in trade talks - Business - CBC News
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