Canada leads the way on progressive trade at Eleventh WTO Ministerial Conference in Argentina

December 14, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Eleventh World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from December 10 to 13, 2017, was an opportunity for WTO members to discuss ways of moving the organization forward. Canada played a central role in advancing progressive trade initiatives that aim to make trade work for people and protect the interests of Canadians and citizens worldwide.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, led the Canadian delegation at the WTO conference, at which Canada endorsed and signed a number of joint statements and declarations that support the government’s progressive trade agenda. These initiatives aim to level the playing field and advance women’s economic empowerment, increase opportunities for micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises, and improve the rules for global e-commerce.

By pursuing these key priorities, Canada is taking concrete action to ensure that everyone, particularly women and small and medium-sized enterprises, can reach their full potential and take advantage of the opportunities that flow from trade.

While in Argentina, Minister Champagne met with Argentinian ministers and stakeholders. He also participated in a youth round table to build on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to Argentina in November 2016. These meetings reaffirmed the two countries’ commitment to explore new areas of cooperation and deepen their commercial relationship.

Minister Champagne will travel to Montevideo, Uruguay, today to meet with stakeholders and open doors for Canadian companies wanting to do business in Uruguay.