Trade with U.S. still vital, despite approaches to Asia: ambassador says

OTTAWA – Canada’s ambassador to the United States says Canada will never forget its best customer even as it tries to broaden trade with Asia.

Gary Doer is affirming the world’s largest two-way trading relationship at a forum on Canada-U.S. business relations.

He says the two countries are ready to pursue a wide agenda on trade, energy and the environment.

Doer says Canada and the U.S. have a lot of business beyond building the contentious Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta’s oilsands to the U.S.

U.S. Ambassador David Jacobson says his country isn’t worried about Canada increasing exports to Asia, including China, because many of those exports are American-made products.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is to address the group and participate in a question-and-answer session later in the day.