Minister Ng speaks with New Zealand counterpart

May 7, 2021 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, met virtually with Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’s Minister for Agriculture and Minister for and Export Growth, Biosecurity, Land Information and Rural Communities.

The ministers discussed the upcoming 2021 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on June 5, 2021, with Canada offering its full support to New Zealand’s delivering a successful meeting as host this year. Minister Ng was pleased to see New Zealand’s emphasis on the multilateral trading system, as this emphasis provides an opportunity to build momentum on shared APEC priorities in the lead-up to the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in November 2021.

The economic development and increased participation of Indigenous peoples in international trade continues to be a key priority for Canada. Minister Ng reaffirmed Canada’s support for New Zealand’s advancing an Indigenous trade and economic collaboration arrangement during its year as APEC host.

The ministers also highlighted the importance of ongoing cooperation between their countries, including on COVID-19 response and recovery measures.

Associated links

• COVID-19 and Canada’s international trade
• Canada and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)