Mr. Chair, congratulations on your appointment.
Mr. Burney, thank you to you and your team for bringing us to the point we are at today on this FTA. I also want to thank you for sharing the information on why it is important and why there is a rush to study this legislation quickly so that we do not hit the January date when the United States and the EU will have another round of reductions in tariffs, etc.
We all know, Mr. Burney, that with a population of 50 million and a $1.3 trillion GDP, South Korea is the fourth largest economy in South Asia. I have heard again and again that South Korea can also serve as a gateway to Asian markets. I would like you to elaborate on what that means for Canadian companies and Canadian businesses, particularly as it relates to global value chains. Also, can tell us whether this agreement will possibly increase our trade with other Asian markets? What is the potential there?