Minister Ng successfully concludes first Trade Policy Dialogue with African Union Commission
News release
May 17, 2023 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, welcomed Albert M. Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Minerals, to the inaugural Canada-African Union Commission (AUC) Trade Policy Dialogue (TPD).
Minister Ng and Commissioner Muchanga signed a Cooperation Framework to establish the TPD as a long-term and ongoing initiative. They discussed the development of the Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy and the different ways that Canada can continue to support inclusive economic growth and integration in Africa. These include potential areas for collaboration with the AUC on trade, investment and innovation. They also discussed ways to identify opportunities for strengthened partnerships between Canadian and African businesses.
Minister Ng also announced Canada’s support for the African Union to have observer status at the World Trade Organization. Throughout the TPD, shared priorities were reaffirmed, including establishing a comprehensive partnership between Canada and the AUC, and supporting the development of inclusive, rules-based trade policy in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Quotes
“Canada values its important relationship with the African Union Commission and the unique position the commission has, representing of 55 member states across the African continent. Our shared priority of building comprehensive, sustainable and responsible economic partnerships is to help ensure our people continue to benefit from stable jobs and economic growth. The TPD has supported and will continue to support Canada’s work toward inclusive economic growth and integration in Africa, strengthening trade and investment relationships with our African partners.”
- Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development
Quick facts
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Africa is home to 5 of the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world, and once fully implemented, the AfCFTA) will be equivalent to the world’s fifth-largest economy with the potential for a combined gross domestic product of more than $4.6 trillion.
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In 2022, Canadian direct investment in Africa stood at $15.7 billion, while African direct investment in Canada amounted to $2 billion.
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In 2022, Canada’s merchandise trade with African countries totalled $15.1 billion.
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The TPD complements the Canada-AUC High Level Dialogue, which was launched between October 26 and28, 2022, with the participation of Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister Joly, Minister Sajjan and Minister Ng. Discussions at the high-level dialogue covered economic cooperation, trade, health, agriculture, climate change, governance, democracy, and continental and regional security.
Related products
- Cooperation Framework between the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development of Canada and the African Union Commission establishing the Trade Policy Dialogue
- Minister Ng speaks with African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Mining
- Canada and African Union Commission conclude first high-level dialogue
- African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat to visit Canada
- Minister Ng concludes successful virtual trade mission to Africa for women-owned and -led businesses
- Minister Ng meets with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry
- Minister Ng speaks with Betty Maina, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and Enterprise Development
- Minister Ng speaks with Amadou Hott, Senegal’s Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation
- Parliamentary Secretary Virani shares highlights of trade visits to South Africa and Zambia
Associated links
Contacts
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
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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