Minister Champagne to lead trade mission to Paris 

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

April 15, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada’s vibrant economy, attractive investment climate and highly-educated and skilled workforce make it a valuable trading partner, which will attract more job-creating investment into Canada. The recent entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union allows Canadian businesses to capitalize on these opportunities to diversify and attract trade and investments in key sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI) and clean technologies.

From April 15 to 18, 2018, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, will lead a business delegation to Paris, France, with a focus on promoting Canada’s strengths and capabilities in AI and clean technologies, as well as its progressive trade agenda.

In addition to leading the business delegation, Minister Champagne will meet with business and political leaders, including Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, France’s Secretary of State attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, with whom discussions will centre on progressive trade, including CETA, and Canada-France trade relations.

Minister Champagne will also participate in elements of the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s official visit to France. 

Quotes

“The Canadian companies taking part in this business delegation stand to deepen their understanding of the opportunities in France. This delegation will allow us to demonstrate Canadian expertise in the fields of artificial intelligence and clean technologies as well as enhance the potential for collaboration in the areas of the environment, green and renewable energies, digital technologies, and information and communication technologies.

“I value the close cooperation between Canada and France and the importance we place on our bilateral trade, investment and innovation relations.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

  • France is Canada’s ninth-largest merchandise trading partner, as well as Canada’s ninth-largest export and import market. 

  • In 2017, the value of trade between the two countries was $9.6 billion.

  • The Canadian cleantech and AI sectors will benefit from CETA through the removal of all tariffs on their products. 

  • Canada has 500 AI companies, largely start-ups, and the country’s tech sector is growing and accessing foreign markets. 

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @CanadaTrade
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international trade - Global Affairs Canada

Page details

Date modified: