Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, along with the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, welcomed Yasutoshi Nishimura, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, to Ottawa.

“Today’s signing is a concrete example of Canada’s growing partnership with Japan in trade, investment and innovation. I look forward to building on this relationship next month, when I lead a Team Canada trade mission to Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, with Canadian businesses to showcase Canada’s capabilities and competitiveness and to facilitate long-term trade and investment opportunities for both countries.”

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

“Canada and Japan share the same ambition for the future: a strong, clean and sustainable economy built on innovation. Japanese companies know that Canada is a global leader in the green transition and that Canadian companies are key partners in this space. That is why we are witnessing the historic collaboration between our governments and our industries. It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Nishimura and his business delegation; together we can continue to build a bold and close relationship that will benefit the workers and economies of both our countries.”

- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“As worldwide demand shifts increasingly toward cleaner forms of energy, Canada’s critical minerals resources and battery supply chains will play a vital role in how we get there. The MoCs signed today will allow for crucial economic opportunities for Canadian businesses and attract investment to Canada that will create good, sustainable jobs in the low-carbon economy for generations to come. I look forward to deepening and strengthening our strategic partnership with Japan, one of Canada’s most important economic and commercial partner.”

- Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

• With a gross domestic product of $5.5 trillion in 2022, Japan is the world’s third-largest national economy and one of Canada’s most important economic and commercial partners.

• Canada’s merchandise exports to Japan totalled $18 billion in 2022. Top export products include mineral fuels and oils, mineral ores, agricultural products and wood.

• In 2020, 65,302 jobs in Canada were directly or indirectly supported by merchandise exports to Japan.

• In October 2023, Minister Ng will lead a delegation of Canadian companies, along with representatives of provinces, municipalities and partner organizations, in a Team Canada trade mission to Osaka and Tokyo, Japan.

Associated links

• Canada-Japan relations
• Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan
• Minister Ng announces Canada’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka
• Canada’s strategy for the Indo-Pacific

Shanti Cosentino
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade 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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