May 27, 2020 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
Now more than ever, businesses, workers, and all Canadians depend on the predictability of open and rules-based trade.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) strives for free and open trade to bolster prosperity for the region and beyond. As a founding member of APEC, Canada supports this goal and is working to strengthen our trade relationships with the dynamic and fast-growing economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
The APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) provides an important bridge between Canadian business leaders and their counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region to help them explore new opportunities to work together. It also advises the government on how to best support Canadian businesses – including in these challenging times.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade announced the official appointment of Janet De Silva, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), who has been serving since the fall.
For over 30 years, Ms. De Silva has helped businesses grow in the global marketplace. She will play a key role in representing and advancing the interests of the Canadian business community throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Quotes
“As a Canadian representative to the APEC Business Advisory Council, Ms. de Silva will continue to help strengthen Canada’s trade and economic cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region. Her work will be instrumental in helping to ensure Canadian companies doing business in the region are supported throughout this crisis and on the path towards recovery.”
– The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Quick facts
- The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum was established in 1989 and has become the preeminent economic forum in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Canada is a founding member of APEC and its annual Economic Leaders Meeting provides Canada with an opportunity to further strengthen trade and economic ties with some of the Asia-Pacific region’s most dynamic economies.