By Caribbean News Global 
OTTAWA, Canada – Mary Ng, minister of international trade, export promotion, small business and economic development, concluded the successful Canada-Caribbean trade mission, which focused on opportunities to strengthen Canada’s trade and economic relationships with Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, with a focus on clean growth.
“Helping businesses find innovative ways to diversify trade and expand into emerging export markets is key to a sustainable, inclusive economic recovery and transition to a green economy,” says Global Affairs Canada, in a press release Thursday.
Minister Ng was joined virtually and in-person by more than 200 Canadian businesses, many of which are led by Black and women entrepreneurs and those from Canada’s other diverse communities. The trade mission began on April 12 in Georgetown, Guyana, where minister Ng participated in a round table discussion with Canadian and Guyanese business leaders who shared best practices and growth opportunities.
“This trade mission focused on sustainable growth and innovation underscores the strength of Canada’s long-standing trade and people-to-people ties with Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. Our government will continue to strengthen its relationships with the Caribbean region, while opening doors for trade and investment opportunities that will benefit Canadian businesses and exporters,” said minister Ng.
In Guyana, minister Ng met with president Irfaan Ali to discuss next steps in strengthening the trade and investment relationship between Canada and Guyana.
Global Affairs Canada, stated:
“During the trade mission, the Canadian Commercial Corporation signed memorandums of understanding with the government of Guyana to bring Canadian technology and expertise to the country as it invests in its infrastructure, information and communications technologies, aerospace, cleantech and security sectors.
Minister Ng spoke with members of the cabinet of the government of Jamaica, thanking them for the commitment to continue working with Canada to facilitate trade between the two countries and recognizing the importance to Canada of expanding beef imports into the Jamaican market.
Minister Ng also connected to the trade mission’s virtual program to address an audience of Canadian entrepreneurs seeking to export to the Caribbean and explore important opportunities in the clean technology and green infrastructure sectors.
“The minister wrapped up the trade mission on April 14 in a meeting with Caribbean and Canadian women entrepreneurs to discuss their business experiences in Jamaica.”
Quick facts
- Canadian companies are active in the financial services, natural resources, clean technology, tourism, energy, and education sectors of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
- In 2019 the value of Canada’s 2-way merchandise trade with CARICOM members reached $1.9 billion while trade in services was valued at $4.4 billion.
- CARICOM markets offer opportunities for growth in the infrastructure, renewable energy, climate resilience, financial services, tourism, and education sectors.
- Before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 2 million Canadians travelled to CARICOM countries every year.
- Almost 1 million people of Caribbean descent call Canada home.
