Readout: Minister Ng speaks with Israel’s Minister of the Economy and Industry

October 13, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, spoke with Amir Peretz, Israel’s Minister of the Economy and Industry.

Minister Ng and Minister Peretz discussed the ongoing collaboration between Canada and Israel in response to COVID-19, including efforts to support economic recovery for workers and businesses in both countries. The ministers exchanged views on how to deepen the Canada-Israel trade partnership, which is led by engagement in science, technology and innovation and strengthened by the modernized Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA).

Minister Ng highlighted CIFTA’s potential to advance the Canada-Israel partnership in the years ahead and reviewed ongoing joint work in implementing parts of the agreement that will ensure that the benefits of trade are more widely shared by people in the two countries. These include strong provisions on gender and small businesses, as well as high standards for labour and the environment.

Minister Ng emphasized Canada and Israel’s steadfast friendship, as well as Canada’s continued commitment to strengthening all aspects of the relationship while supporting deeper trade ties, economic recovery, and growth in both countries.