Minister Sidhu champions rules-based trade with Canada’s Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and World Trade Organization partners

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

June 5, 2025 - Paris, France - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, this week concluded his participation in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) and World Trade Organization (WTO) mini-ministerial meeting, in Paris, France.

At the OECD MCM, Minister Sidhu reaffirmed Canada’s support for the rules-based global trading system and its underpinning values. These include reinforcing the open, stable markets that ensure predictability amidst economic uncertainty, responsibly developing artificial intelligence and standing up for Ukraine. Canada served as vice-chair of the OECD MCM alongside Australia and Lithuania, under the chairship of Costa Rica.

At the meeting, Canada and the Philippines formally took on the role of the 2025 to 2028 co-chairs of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP), a program that was created to address economic and development challenges in Southeast Asia. Minister Sidhu announced that Canada will contribute $2 million to support SEARP’s activities, which align with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and Strategic Partnership with ASEAN.

At the WTO mini-ministerial meeting, Minister Sidhu advocated for deep and meaningful reforms of the WTO to ensure its rules are modernized and continue to support a rules-based global trading system. Canada also called for a pragmatic approach to the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference that considers current economic challenges.

While in Paris, the Minister also hosted a business round table with Canadian companies active in the French market. As Canada seeks to strengthen its collaboration with reliable trading partners, the Minister heard the business representatives’ first-hand perspectives on the opportunities for Canadian businesses in France. 

Quotes

“A predictable, rules-based international order is essential to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that global trade and investment remains open, fair and responsive to today’s challenges and supports long-term global prosperity.

- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

  • The OECD is an international organization focused on shaping policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.

  • The OECD has 38 members from North America, South America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, and, along with its key partner countries, represents about 80% of world trade and investment.

  • Canada is 1 of the 20 founding members of the OECD and has been a member since 1961.

  • The WTO has 166 members worldwide.

  • The Indo-Pacific region plays a critical role in shaping Canada’s future. With 40 economies, over 4 billion people and $47.19 trillion in economic activity, it is the world’s fastest-growing region and home to 6 of Canada’s top 13 trading partners.

Associated links

Contacts

Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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