Canadian airlines gain greater access to Japan

Japan has agreed to allow Canadian airlines to land at more Japanese airports as part of a new air services pact, said Canadian Trade Minister Stockwell Day.

"The expanded arrangements will allow Canadian airlines and airports opportunities to offer competitive airline prices to travellers, helping to create jobs and boost our economy," Mr Day said in a statement.

The pact allows airlines to now offer unlimited flights between Canada and any city in Japan outside of the Tokyo area.

During a visit to Japan, Mr Day also met with several ministers to discuss broadening bilateral trade and deepening cooperation in science and technology, including clean energy and nanotechnology.

Canadian merchandise exports to Japan were €8.3 billion last year, up 20.2 per cent from the previous year. Imports from Japan totalled €11.3 billion, down 1.1 per cent.

Cumulative bilateral investment in both countries topped €13 billion in 2007.