Minister Sidhu advances trade priorities at G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting
News release
October 12, 2025 – Gqeberha, South Africa - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister International Trade, has concluded his participation at the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting, held in Gqeberha, South Africa.
During the meeting, Minister Sidhu discussed Canada’s efforts to diversify trade and advance economic growth through a fair and predictable global trading system.
While in South Africa, Canada reiterated at the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC) ministerial meeting its commitment to working closely with international partners to address the current challenges in the steel sector and to develop policies that create jobs and support the economic health of the industry.
Minister Sidhu also met with several counterparts, including Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, and Gan Kim Yong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Industry of Singapore, to discuss shared trade and investment priorities.
Quotes
“In an evolving global trade landscape, Canada needs to deepen its partnerships and foster new ones. I am committed to diversifying Canada’s international trading networks among reliable partners who share our commitment to fair and open competition. Canada will continue to work towards changes to the global trading system that create jobs, lower costs, and secure economic prosperity.
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
“As global trading relationships are rapidly changing, Canada is focused on strengthening and diversifying our international partnerships. Canada is committed to the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity to work with member nations to collectively address the issue of excess steel capacity head-on, while ensuring the Canadian steel industry has the right tools to prosper.”
–Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Quick facts
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The G20 is an important forum where the world's top developed and emerging economies collaborate on global economic issues.
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According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, G20 economies account for over 75% of global exports.
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In 2023, the African Union joined the list of G20 members, which is helping amplify African voices at the table.
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As one of Africa’s most diversified and largest economies, South Africa is a prime destination for Canadian goods and services.
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South Africa is Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa. In 2024, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and South Africa totaled $2.91 billion, including $582.3 million in exports from Canada, and $2.3 billion in imports from South Africa.
Related products
Associated links
- Canada and the G20
- Canada and the World Trade Organization (WTO)
- WTO reform: Canada and the Ottawa Group
- Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity (GFSEC)
- Canada launches its first global Africa Strategy: A partnership for shared prosperity and security
- Canada’s Africa Strategy: A Partnership for Shared Prosperity and Security
Contacts
Huzaif Qaisar
Director of Communications
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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