Let me start off by setting the context for my response.
The United States has always been and will always be Canada's largest trading partner. I can tell you that I spend more time in the United States than in any other country, because it is our most important trading relationship. It represents 75% of all the trade we do. So it's absolutely imperative that this government continue to deepen that relationship and that it makes sure that the most trusted and most successful trade relationship in the world continues to move forward. That is one of the reasons the President and the Prime Minister announced the border vision and the regulatory cooperation initiatives.
That said, it's in Canada's interest to continue to find new markets for its goods and services. It's one of the reasons I'm spending a lot of time in Southeast Asia. It's one of the reasons I've visited China twice since I was appointed minister. It's one of the reasons we're now refocusing efforts on Japan. We're looking at opportunities for us to continue to grow Canada's prosperity.
Canadians are a cautious lot. You have to understand that. Our businesses understand that there are challenges and risks attached to trying to penetrate new markets. That's why I spent a fair bit of time talking about the Trade Commissioner Service, because it's that service that provides the support our Canadian companies need to enter new markets, some of which are very challenging. But if they do it right, they can be highly successful. The rewards are very significant in some of these emerging markets. That's why the approach I've taken with trade is very much in line with our government's focus on economic growth and job creation.