Canada promotes increased trade and investment with MENA

By Caribbean News Global

OTTAWA, Canada – Expanding trade and investment with countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a priority for Canada, and it is crucial to global post-pandemic economic recovery efforts, says the office of the minister of international trade, export promotion, small business and economic development, in a press statement Thursday.

“The Canada Arab Business Council and the Council of Arab League Ambassadors have been great partners and instrumental in fostering trade and investment in the MENA region. I look forward to continuing my work with them to strengthen our economic partnership and people-to-people ties,” said Mary Ng, minister of international trade, export promotion, small business and economic development

On Wednesday, minister Ng, addressed a joint meeting of the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC) and the Council of Arab League Ambassadors in Ottawa, and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to increasing trade and investment with the MENA region and recognized the CABC’s work to help strengthen trade and investment ties between Canada and the MENA countries for the last 39 years.

“There has never been a more important time to build upon the vibrant trade and investment relationships that exist between Canada and our good friends in the Arab world. As our countries look to new business opportunities, collaborative relationships and emerging technologies, we find that much of what we offer each other can be fulfilled within the solid foundation of cooperation that exists. Bringing minister Ng together with the senior representatives of the Arab missions [yesterday] to discuss the ways and means of building upon our relationships, is a welcomed and important step toward accomplishing these goals, especially as we look forward to re-enforcing international supply chains when the pandemic subsides,” said Scott Jolliffe, chair of the Canada Arab Business Council.

His Excellency Jamal Al-Sallal, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen and Dean of the Council of Arab League Ambassadors, said:

“Humanity is now a labyrinth of interconnectivity, and our best route to prosperity and global security, is to build infallible bonds of partnership upon which we may depend and trust. Global interdependence establishes that no country is self-sufficient – we need each other. The 17-Member Council of Arab League Ambassadors is committed to the guardianship and promotion of vital bonds between Canada and the Arab countries, especially trade and investment; the drivers of economic security and growth. Our region is the gateway to the world – a bridge connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe – one in which Canada has much to offer.”

Under the theme – The Future in Mind – the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai showcases Canadian innovation while promoting Canada to millions of visitors as an ideal place to live, work, study, and do business.

Minister Ng is expected to visit the region “to further support our economic recovery by highlighting Canadian expertise and investment opportunities,” reports media relations office, Global Affairs Canada.