The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today participated virtually in the annual ministerial meeting of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Ministers welcomed APEC’s post-2020 vision statement, which reaffirms the commitment to an open, rules-based multilateral trading system that benefits everyone.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how interconnected the world is. It has also accelerated the need for international partners to work together to keep supply chains open and essential goods flowing, such as food and medicine.
During the meeting, Minister Ng highlighted the importance of a strong multilateral trading system supported by coordinated, sustainable, and inclusive trade policies that will help people overcome the challenges of COVID-19.
Minister Ng spoke about Canada’s commitment to ensuring all Canadians can gain the full benefits of international trade, including small businesses, women entrepreneurs, and Indigenous peoples. She underscored the importance of supporting small businesses worldwide and the millions of people they employ. She emphasized that the success of small businesses is key to Canada’s post-pandemic recovery and long-term economic prosperity.
Minister Ng and other APEC ministers recognized the promotion of the health and well-being of their peoples, as well as growth that benefits everyone, as the foundation of a strong and sustainable global economic recovery.
Quotes
“Working together with our APEC partners is crucial to building bridges to recovery for our small businesses and ensuring all Canadians benefit from international trade. We will continue to strengthen partnerships and create innovative solutions that support our peoples across the Asia-Pacific region and propel us all toward a brighter, more-sustainable future.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Quick facts
- Canada is a founding member of APEC, which includes 21 member economies.
- APEC promotes sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region.
- The 31st APEC annual ministerial meeting was hosted virtually this year by Malaysia.
- APEC 2020 priorities include building sustainable economic recovery and growth that benefits everyone and promoting free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.