History of Canada–Honduras Free Trade Agreement in Timeline

The Canada–Honduras Free Trade Agreement, effective October 1, 2014, is a bilateral trade agreement between Canada and Honduras. It emerged after multilateral negotiations for a Canada–Central American Four Free Trade Agreement (with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua) failed following twelve rounds of discussions from 2000 to 2010. Subsequently, Canada and Honduras initiated separate bilateral negotiations in 2010, leading to the final agreement.

2000: Canada begins multilateral negotiations

In 2000, Canada initiated multilateral negotiations with Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua (collectively known as the Central American Four or CA4) to establish a proposed Canada–Central American Four Free Trade Agreement.

2009: Coup d'état in Honduras

In 2009, there was a coup d'état in Honduras. This event is mentioned in the context of Stephen Harper's visit to Honduras in 2011, marking the first visit by a foreign leader since the coup.

2010: Canada and Honduras begin separate bilateral negotiations

In 2010, after twelve rounds of negotiation without an agreement between Canada and the CA4, Canada and Honduras commenced separate bilateral negotiations towards a free trade agreement.

2011: Prime Minister Harper visits Honduras

In 2011, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper visited San Pedro Sula to sign the ceremonial initial agreement. This visit marked the first time a foreign leader had visited Honduras since the 2009 coup d'état. Harper's engagement with President Pepe Lobo's government drew criticism.

November 2013: Final agreement signed by trade ministers

On 5 November 2013, the trade ministers of Canada and Honduras signed the final free trade agreement, accompanied by side cooperation agreements focusing on environmental protection and labor rights.