French President Emmanuel Macron, left, meets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Monday, April 16, 2018. Trudeau is for a two days visit in France. (Ian Longsdon/Pool Photo via AP)
April 16, 2018 - 7:52 AM
PARIS - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and French President Emmanuel Macron have discussed a renewed economic partnership to boost growth, jobs and investments in their two countries.
In a joint news conference in Paris, Trudeau praised the "benefits" of a trade deal between Canada and the European Union that came largely into effect last September.
Trudeau said "we already see the results" of the new trade rules, called the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement Implementation Act (CETA).
Canadian imports from France have increased 4 per cent last year and Canadian investments in France have jumped 23 per cent, he said.
Trudeau insists the deal included rules to protect workers' rights and the environment, but CETA had triggered many protests across Europe, with critics arguing it weakens European labour laws.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018