Canada is committed to diversifying its trade and investment ties and promoting open, inclusive, and rules-based international trade. In line with this commitment, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, today announced the launch of public consultations on a potential free trade agreement between Canada and Ecuador.

“These consultations will be instrumental as we continue to foster economic resilience in the region. Canada and Ecuador enjoy strong and growing trade and investment ties. I look forward to deepening our relationship with Ecuador and creating more opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.”

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

• Two-way trade between Canada and Ecuador reached a value of $952.5 million in 2021 and continues to grow.

• Commercial relations between the 2 countries are complementary, particularly with respect to agricultural products:  tropical fruit, flowers, cacao, and seafood are exported from Ecuador to Canada, and wheat, lentils, oats, barley, and peas are exported from Canada to Ecuador.

• Canada is the largest foreign investor in Ecuador. Canada’s investments there are mainly in the responsible extractive sector.

• Canadian direct investment in Ecuador totalled $3.7 billion in 2021, after growing nearly fourfold since 2015.

• Ecuador has an ambitious trade liberalization agenda, which includes its formal application to accede to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

• In December 2022, Ecuador opened a new trade office at its embassy in Ottawa to create more opportunities for Canadian and Ecuadorean companies alike.

• Canada also engages with Ecuador through its strategic dialogue with the Alliance for Development in Democracy, which Ecuador joined in 2022.

Associated links

• Minister Ng launches exploratory talks toward free trade agreement between Canada and Ecuador
• Joint statement on the launch of exploratory discussions toward a potential Canada-Ecuador free trade agreement
• Minister Ng speaks with Ecuador’s Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investments and Fisheries
• Joint declaration: Fostering a strategic dialogue between Canada and the members of the Alliance for Development in Democracy
• Join the discussion: Consulting Canadians on possible free trade agreement negotiations with Ecuador
• Gazette notice: Consulting Canadians on future trade negotiations with Ecuador
• Canada-Ecuador relations
• Doing business in Ecuador

Shanti Cosentino
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
343-576-4365
Shanti.Cosentino@international.gc.ca

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