OTTAWA, ONTARIO–(Marketwired – Jun 16, 2014) – Canada Border Services Agency
Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney and the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade announced the launch of a pilot project that makes it easier and faster for Canadian business people to travel to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region.
Under the pilot, Canadian business travellers who are NEXUS members can now apply for an APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC). The ABTC, which is valid for up to three years, allows card holders to use designated APEC lines when travelling within the APEC region to participating APEC economies. These travellers will also be able to use a Trusted Traveller kiosk and benefit from faster border clearance when returning to Canada.
Our Government’s launch of the ABTC pilot confirms Canada’s support of the ABTC and highlights our continued commitment to support Canadian business people as they expand their businesses’ international reach in order to create jobs and economic growth at home.
Quick Facts
– Introduced in 1996, the ABTC is designed to facilitate business travel and provide accredited business people with preclearance and expedited entry to participating APEC economies. There are now 19 of 21 participating APEC economies that issue ABTC cards to their qualifying citizens.
– Canada provides ABTC foreign members’ access to designated APEC lines (special service counters) at its eight major international airports.
– In addition to their ABTC, foreign cardholders must still present all required documentation such as passports, visas and permits for entry into Canada. Similarly, Canadian ABTC card holders will need to present all required travel documents when entering foreign APEC economies.
– The United States is also pursuing a domestic ABTC pilot similar to the one Canada is launching.
Quotes
“The ABTC pilot will make travel easier for Canadians doing business in the Asia Pacific Region. This is good news for NEXUS members who are travelling for business internationally and good news for Canada as faster international business travel supports and strengthens Canada’s economy.”
– Steven Blaney, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
“Strengthening our trade and investment ties with the dynamic and fast growing Asia pacific region is a priority to create jobs and opportunities. Ensuring that hardworking Canadians and business community are able to quickly and efficiently travel across borders helps Canadian companies succeed, export and grow.”
– Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade