I am calling the meeting to order.
This is meeting number 14 of the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade.
Today's meeting is taking place in a hybrid format, pursuant to the November 25 House order. Per the directive of the Board of Internal Economy of March 10, 2022, all those attending the meeting in person must wear a mask, except for members who are at their place during the proceedings.
I need to make a few comments for the benefit of the witnesses and members.
Please wait until I recognize you by name before speaking. For those participating by video conference, click on the microphone icon to activate your mike and please mute your mike when you're not speaking. For those participating via Zoom, you have interpretation options at the bottom of your screen of floor, English or French.
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(2) and the motion adopted by the committee on March 21, the committee is beginning its study on trade opportunities for Canadian businesses in the Indo-Pacific.
With us by video conference today from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, we have Arun Alexander, associate assistant deputy minister, trade policy and negotiations; Jay Allen, director general, trade negotiations; Weldon Epp, director general, north Asia; Steven Goodinson, director general, trade commissioner service operations; Emmanuel Kamarianakis, director general, investment and innovation; and Peter Lundy, director general, southeast Asia and Oceania.
Welcome to all of you. Thank you for taking the time to appear before the committee today.
We will start with opening remarks.
Mr. Alexander, I invite you to make opening remarks of five minutes, please.