Expanding trade and investment with countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is a priority for Canada, and it is crucial to global post-pandemic economic recovery efforts.

“The Canada Arab Business Council and the Council of Arab League Ambassadors have been great partners and instrumental in fostering trade and investment in the MENA region. I look forward to continuing my work with them to strengthen our economic partnership and people-to-people ties.”

- Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development

“There has never been a more important time to build upon the vibrant trade and investment relationships that exist between Canada and our good friends in the Arab world. As our countries look to new business opportunities, collaborative relationships and emerging technologies, we find that of much of what we offer each other can be fulfilled within the solid foundation of cooperation that exists. Bringing Minister Ng together with the senior representatives of the Arab missions yesterday, to discuss the ways and means of building upon our relationships, is a welcomed and important step toward accomplishing these goals, especially as we look forward to re-enforcing international supply chains when the pandemic subsides.”

- Scott Jolliffe, Chair of the Canada Arab Business Council

“Humanity is now a labyrinth of interconnectivity, and our best route to prosperity and global security, is to build infallible bonds of partnership upon which we may depend and trust. Global interdependence establishes that no country is self-sufficient –  we need each other. The 17-Member Council of Arab League Ambassadors is committed to the guardianship and promotion of vital bonds between Canada and the Arab countries, especially trade and investment; the drivers of economic security and growth. Our region is the gateway to the world – a bridge connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe – one in which Canada has much to offer.”

- His Excellency Jamal Al-Sallal, Ambassador of the Republic of Yemen and Dean of the Council of Arab League Ambassadors

• CABC is Canada’s only not-for-profit association focused exclusively on promoting trade and investment between Canada and the Arab world. The council and its 39 members work closely with businesses and governments in the MENA region, including through their missions in Canada, to promote stronger trade and economic relations between the countries. 

• Expo 2020 Dubai, which runs until March 31, 2022, is the first event of its kind in the Middle East and the first ever hosted in the Arab world. 

• The MENA region is one of Canada’s most important trading partners. Bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and the 22 MENA countries in the first 10 months of 2021 was $12.5 billion, an increase of almost 14.8% over the same period last year.

Associated links

• Canada Arab Business Council
• Canada at Expo 2020 Dubai
• Canada and the Middle East and North Africa
• Canada’s Middle East engagement strategy

Alice Hansen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
613-612-0482
Alice.Hansen@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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