Canadians don't need much persuasion to trade with Britain, and to invest in us, I'm glad to say.
We forgive you for buying more American goods and for investing more in the United States than you do in Britain.
After all, they're rather closer to you—in a way they're your convenience store.
But the UK is the second largest destination for Canadian investment and we [end p1] are your third largest supplier.
Being third isn't good enough.
We aim to do better.
And we aren't going to rely on our historic links, important though those are.
There is a new climate of enterprise in Britain. Our managers are more aggressive, keener [end p2] to sell, more concerned about design and quality, striving to give the customers what they want.
The people who work in our companies are more productive than ever before, more flexible, and committed to quality.
That's going to continue.
— Low inflation: the lowest for over eighteen [end p3] years.
— High profitability: the highest for twenty-five years.
— Investment at an all time high.
Those are the signs of an economy which is going firmly in the right direction. [end p4]
There is more, much more, to be done before we can match the productivity and drive of businesses on your continent.
But we're on our way—and our businesses are eager to please you as our customers. [end p5]
Bull Points
The British economy remains strong:
— Now in our sixth successive year of growth, with GDP at highest ever level.
— Investment at all time high level of £60 billion in real terms in 1985; rose by over 4 per cent in 1986 Q1.
— 1985 was sixth successive year of current account surplus.
— Inflation at its lowest level for over 18 years.
— Long term interest rates at their lowest levels since the early 1970s.
— Company profitability in 1985 highest for 25 years.
— One million new jobs created since 1983.