Trade minister: EU-Canadian trade deal will open new opportunities

The Czech Republic has welcomed the signing of CETA, a long-delayed landmark trade deal, between Canada and the EU. The agreement was signed in Brussels by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and top EU officials, following weeks of uncertainty due to opposition in Belgium. The Czech prime minister signed the agreement two weeks ago. Czech Trade Minister Jan Mládek said the Czech Republic and Canada share the same principles in trade and that the country would not have a problem meeting the set conditions. The Czech Republic expects the agreement to create new jobs, simplify exports and open up new markets for Czech firms in the area of engineering, chemicals production and health products.