By Caribbean News Global 
OTTAWA, Canada – Minister of small business, export promotion and international trade, Mary Ng, discussed with the secretary of the economy of Mexico, Graciela Márquez Colín, last Friday, May 29, citizens safe and healthy while supporting businesses amid COVID-19; meantime, on the issues of trade, tourism, and investment minister Ng spoke with Simon Birmingham, Australia’s minister for trade, tourism and investment, about the need for continued global cooperation to keep our people healthy and safe while mitigating the economic impact of COVID-19.
Canada – Mexico
Minister Ng highlighted the upcoming virtual Ottawa Group Ministerial meeting in June 2020 and agreed on the importance of enhanced business engagement as part of the initiative. The minister and secretary also discussed international collaboration to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and how governments can support their people in global economic recovery efforts.
Minister Ng raised the recent changes to Mexico’s energy policy and both agreed to maintain a dialogue on the issue, inclusive of, Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, particularly in the context of a post-pandemic recovery; and the commitment to strengthening Canada’s mutual trade relationship with Mexico to benefit both countries.
Canada – Australia
Minister Ng noted Canadians’ efforts to help flatten the COVID-19 curve and welcomed the news of Australia’s progress in keeping their people safe and healthy amid the pandemic.
The ministers agreed to continue working closely on keeping global supply chains open to the benefit of our businesses and workers, including through the G20, World Trade Organization (WHO) and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.
As well, the ministers reaffirmed the strength of Canada and Australia’s bilateral commercial relationship. They highlighted the importance of open trade and diversification, and how this relationship is enhanced through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, giving our businesses and workers more opportunities in the global marketplace.
The ministers also discussed the upcoming Ottawa Group WTO reform ministerial meeting as an opportunity to advance an ambitious work plan on COVID-19 response and lay the foundations for global economic recovery.
Minister Ng highlighted the importance of engaging Canada and Australia’s respective business communities to ensure smooth resumption and flow of cross-border trade in the weeks and months to come.
