Minister Ng speaks with Japan’s Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy

May 20, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada is committed to delivering an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery by promoting progressive trade relationships that benefit all, fostering growth and creating good middle class jobs in the process. 

Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, spoke with Nishimura Yasutoshi, Japan’s Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy. The two ministers discussed the strong, long-standing trade ties and the opportunities for further cooperation between Canada and Japan.

Minister Ng reiterated Canada’s commitment to collaborating with Japan through the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to support broader access to international trade markets and foster a strong, resilient and inclusive economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the context of Japan’s role as current chair of the CPTPP Commission, the ministers discussed next steps in the consideration of the United Kingdom’s application to join the CPTPP and their desire for a smooth and efficient accession process. They committed to supporting economic stability and prosperity through the expansion of high-standard trade rules throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

Ministers Ng and Nishimura also raised the importance for Canadian and Japanese businesses to leverage CPTPP. They spoke of the importance of creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises from both countries to grow, including in areas such as digital trade and other innovative and emerging sectors.

Associated links

• Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
• Doing business in Japan