Minister Ng concludes successful visit to South Africa and trade mission to Kenya and Ethiopia
News release
February 10, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade concluded a successful visit to South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia. The visit highlighted Canada’s position as an important trading and investment partner with the dynamic economies of Africa.
At the Investing in African Mining Indaba conference, in South Africa, Minister Ng explored opportunities for new investments and partnerships by promoting Canada’s new leadership on the world stage in innovative technologies and clean solutions that tackle climate change. She also highlighted that doing business with Canada means Canadians and Africans can count on the highest standards of good governance, environmental protections and responsible business practices.
In Kenya, Minister Ng led a trade mission of Canadian companies to foster more connections between the two countries and help businesses grow, as well as to create prosperity for both nations.
The Canadian business delegation went on to Ethiopia, where Minister Ng joined Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to strengthen Canada’s economic ties with Ethiopia, particularly in sectors such as clean technology and infrastructure.
Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Ng met with Ethiopian businesses and government officials to highlight Canada’s desire to work toward a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement that would mean better access to each other’s markets and more opportunities and jobs for Canadians and Ethiopians alike.
In all three countries, Minister Ng met with many of her African ministerial counterparts and local business leaders to discuss key areas of cooperation, including women’s economic empowerment, open and rules-based trade, and sustainable growth that benefits everyone.
Quotes
“South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia are dynamic and growing markets brimming with opportunities for Canadian businesses. Our government is working to deepen our economic ties to strengthen our economies and create more good, sustainable jobs for people in Canada and in African countries. I look forward to continuing to find new ways of working together with our African partners to the benefit of our people.”
- Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Quick facts
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Canada has a well-earned reputation as a global mining leader focused on innovation and good governance, as well as environmental and social responsibility.
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As one of Africa’s largest and most diversified economies, South Africa is a prime destination for Canadian goods and services, with the value of 2-way merchandise trade totalling $1.37 billion in 2018.
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Canada is a significant investor in South Africa, particularly in the mineral and mining sectors, as well as the transportation, food processing, hospitality, information and communication technologies and instrumentation sectors.
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Canada has a well-established trade relationship with Kenya. In 2018, 2-way merchandise trade reached a value of $174.5 million, with Canadian exports to Kenya worth $141.4 million and imports worth $33.1 million.
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Canada values its growing commercial ties with Ethiopia, especially in sectors such as clean technology.
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In 2018, the value of 2-way merchandise trade between Canada and Ethiopia totalled over $170.2 million. This consisted of $130.3 million in exports to and $39.9 million in imports from Ethiopia.
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