Minister Ng participates in Global Infrastructure Advisory Roundtable

February 9, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, met with business leaders and investors from Canada’s infrastructure sector for the inaugural meeting of the Global Infrastructure Advisory Roundtable.

During the meeting, Minister Ng discussed the opportunities in both traditional and emerging sectors in Southeast Asia’s vibrant infrastructure market and how strengthened trade ties are crucial to Canada’s economic recovery plans. Minister Ng also reiterated her commitment to supporting Canadian business opportunities abroad and growing the country’s exports.

Minister Ng noted that the renewal of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Canada and Infrastructure Asia on infrastructure trade and investment, which was signed in October 2020, reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting the creation of new opportunities for Canadian businesses across southeast Asia.

Minister Ng was joined by senior leaders from the Business, Economic, and Trade Recovery team—a cross-functional team comprising representatives from Global Affairs Canada, Export Development Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, the Canadian Commercial Corporation, Invest in Canada, the Trade Commissioner Service, and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

Quotes

“Infrastructure is a vital part of the Canadian economy and today we had a great discussion on how to keep Canadian companies at the cutting edge of this industry. Our government is focused on helping Canadian companies and workers take advantage of Canada’s export opportunities, including those in southeast Asia, and supporting a strong economic recovery from COVID-19.”

– Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

Quick facts

• In 2019, the infrastructure sector employed over 500,000 Canadians, accounting for 3% of Canada’s GDP.
• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ranks as Canada’s fifth-largest trade partner.
• Canada’s bilateral merchandise trade relationship with ASEAN countries reached $26.7 billion in 2020.