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OTTAWA — While all eyes are on NAFTA, Canada is trying to move quickly on trade in the Asia-Pacific, with decisions on a China free trade agreement and an updated TPP coming this fall.

Diversifying trade with market access in Asia would offer major opportunities to Canadian business, say experts, and send a signal to the United States that while the North American Free Trade Agreement is important, Canadian exports can go elsewhere.

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“The world is rushing and has been rushing to China’s door since China’s own economic miracle began about 15 years ago, and we need to have a foot clearly in that door,” former Conservative trade minister Stockwell Day told the Post. “To not be dealing with the fastest-growing economy in the world, in terms of sheer volume, would just be folly.”

Photo by Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press

Day added dealing with China sends a signal to the U.S. that Canada is not “captive” to its market. “It reinforces in their minds the fact that Canada has alternatives. Anytime you’re negotiating with someone, if they think that you’re committed to them because they’re the only game in town, that gives them a significant lever.”