Oct 8, 2021 | International
A rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, is essential to achieving a strong, sustainable and inclusive global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
October 7, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
A rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, is essential to achieving a strong, sustainable and inclusive global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This week, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, concluded a successful visit to Paris, France, where she chaired the Canada-led Ottawa Group on WTO Reform, and attended an informal meeting of WTO ministers, hosted by Australia. Citing cooperation between WTO members as key to success at the upcoming WTO 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12), Minister Ng highlighted the importance of concluding an agreement on fisheries subsidies, achieving a multilateral declaration on trade and health, an outcome on agriculture domestic support, concluding the Joint Statement Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, and refocusing efforts on WTO reform.
At the Ottawa Group meeting, Minister Ng led discussions on the importance of a trade and health outcome at MC12. Minister Ng noted the significant work the group has undertaken to reach out to dozens of WTO members to ensure that taking action on trade and health is a priority at MC12.
The Ottawa Group also discussed how the group could advance other emerging issues at the WTO after MC12. Minister Ng emphasized the importance of restoring a fully functioning dispute settlement system and advancing progress on trade and environment and trade and gender.
“Canadian businesses rely on open, stable, and rules-based trade. Canada will continue to work closely with our WTO partners to strengthen the multilateral trading system. We will continue to lead and support meaningful outcomes for MC12 to support strong economic growth in Canada and around the world as we recover from this COVID-19 pandemic.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Established in 1995, and comprising 164 members, the WTO administers trade agreements, provides a forum for trade negotiations, handles trade disputes, monitors members’ trade policies to help ensure compliance with WTO trade agreements, and administers technical assistance and training for developing countries.
Led by Canada and known as the Ottawa Group, this representative group of WTO members addresses the specific challenges that put stress on the global multilateral trading system. The Ottawa Group is identifying ways to achieve meaningful, realistic, and pragmatic reforms to the WTO over the short, medium and long terms.
MC12 will take place from November 30, 2021, to December 3, 2021, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Chris Zhou
Office of the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
343-551-0457
chris.zhou@international.gc.ca
Jul 7, 2021 | International
The relationship between Canada and the United States is one of the closest and most enduring in the world and it contributes to the growth, prosperity and security of both countries.
July 6, 2021 – Ottawa, Canada – Global Affairs Canada
The relationship between Canada and the United States is one of the closest and most enduring in the world and it contributes to the growth, prosperity and security of both countries. The strength of the Canada-U.S. partnership will help ensure an economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that benefits workers, businesses and investors on both sides of the border.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, concluded a successful visit to Washington, D.C., where she met with her counterpart and key stakeholders. The Minister’s first international travel in over a year included productive meetings with Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Representative, as well as with Sean McGarvey, President of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) and Sean Strickland, Executive Director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU).
Minister Ng and Ambassador Tai discussed shared priorities, including inclusive and worker-focused trade policies, acting on climate change and working toward fairer and more rules-based international trade. Minister Ng also discussed, with the NABTU and CBTU leaders, key areas for collaboration to ensure the shared recovery of Canada and the United States creates jobs and protects workers.
In her meetings, Minister Ng championed Canada’s role as a reliable and engaged cross-border partner for the United States across a range of sectors, including energy security and green infrastructure projects. The Minister focused on key priorities to deliver a strong recovery from the COVID-19 recession through trade, including enhancing the deeply integrated Canada-U.S. supply chains that play a vital role in North American competitiveness.
The Minister’s visit was a concrete step toward implementing the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement and delivering on the Roadmap for a Renewed U.S.-Canada Partnership. Minister Ng reiterated Canada’s commitment to support open and resilient supply chains and an economic recovery that advances prosperity for both countries’ communities and citizens.
“For Canada, there is no closer relationship than the one we share with the United States. My visit to Washington today underscores the strong and historic ties that unite us. I look forward to continuing my collaboration with Ambassador Tai to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic, in support of our workers and businesses. Our close trade and investment relationship is key to supporting a strong, sustainable and inclusive economic recovery.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Alice Hansen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
613-612-0482
Alice.Hansen@international.gc.ca
Apr 3, 2021 | International
As the Government of Canada continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic and work toward an inclusive and sustainable global economic recovery, it is helping Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs to start up, scale up, and access new markets.
April 1, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
As the Government of Canada continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic and work toward an inclusive and sustainable global economic recovery, it is helping Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs to start up, scale up, and access new markets.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, was joined by Isabelle Hudon, Ambassador of Canada to France, to wrap up a successful virtual trade mission (VTM) to France focused on the green economy and sustainable growth.
Over 300 diverse export-ready Canadian companies participated in the 4-day mission, where they engaged with experts in topics that included sustainable mobility, hydrogen technology, responsible goods and sustainable consumption, and information technology (IT) solutions for a green recovery, and took part in business-to-business networking opportunities. The historic trade mission featured a record number of women, Indigenous, and young entrepreneurs. Participants also learned how the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement can support their expansion into European markets.
During the VTM, Minister Ng met with Franck Riester, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, to discuss strengthening Canada and France’s trade relations, as well as both countries’ continued support for a rules-based international trading system that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable. Minister Ng also met with Cédric O, France’s Secretary of State for the Digital Sector, with whom she discussed the path forward for trade between France and Canada in the sustainable technology sector.
Minister Ng closed the mission by inviting Canadian business representatives—especially women, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs, as well as youth and members of the LGBTQ2+ community—to connect with Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service for access to funding and support programs, international opportunities, and its network of trade commissioners in more than 160 locations worldwide.
“By expanding opportunities for Canadian businesses in the French market in sectors such as information technology, sustainable mobility, hydrogen technology, and responsible goods and sustainable consumption, we are creating long-term sustainable growth, good jobs, and a stronger middle class. We need to continue to deepen our connections with different parts of the world, including our important and historic allies like France, to ensure that Canadian businesses, workers, and communities benefit from greater trade.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Youmy Han
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
343-551-0246
Youmy.Han@international.gc.ca
Mar 30, 2021 | Business
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has reached a final agreement with Mitsui E&S Holdings Co., Ltd. under which MHI will take over the Naval and Governmental Ships business of Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. A formal agreement on the transfer has been signed.
Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, an operating company of Mitsui E&S Holdings, has strengths in the construction and repair of auxiliary ship, such as supply ships and oceanographic survey ships for Japan’s Ministry of Defense, as well as governmental ships such as vessel for patrolling local fishing waters. In recent years the company has also been actively developing new technologies incorporated into autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) and autonomous surface vehicles (ASV).
MHI undertakes comprehensive operations in diverse systems and equipment for land, sea and air defense, and applying its technological synergies it develops, designs and constructs cutting-edge naval vessels that provide superior operational features and deliver outstanding performance and cost performance. The company also offers full maintenance and repair services for naval vessels. In recent years the company has also focused on development of new frigates and destroyers beyond traditional parameters, addressing expanding customer demands in areas such as energy savings, unmanned operation, cybersecurity, and reduced lifecycle costs.
Under the newly signed agreement, MHI will take over the entirety of Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding’s operations in Naval and Governmental Ships, including AUVs and ASVs. MHI will function as an operating company, with operation of the latter’s Tamano Works to continue.
Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding’s products and technologies fully complement those of MHI. MHI, by taking over both Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding’s technologies accumulated over many years and its outstanding human resources, will be in a solid position to further strengthen the operations of its Naval Ship & Maritime Systems Division. This enhanced strength will contribute to greater ocean security and also boost MHI’s corporate value. The company will also actively engage in a broad range of dual-use areas, including cybersecurity products and unmanned systems, helping to realize safe and secure lives for everyone.
Following the requisite reviews by the Fair Trade Commission and other pertinent authorities, the transfer of operations is targeted for completion in October 2021.
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