Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, met with Franck Riester, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade, Economic Attractiveness, Francophonie and French Nationals Abroad, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
During their visit of Toronto's St. Lawrence Market, the ministers engaged with vendors who are benefiting from expanded trade between Canada and France under the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). In 2023, France was Canada's third largest merchandise export market in the EU and its 12th-largest trading partner globally, with 2-way merchandise trade totalling a value of $12.9 billion.
Minister Ng noted that CETA creates opportunities for French and Canadian businesses and workers such as those in the St. Lawrence Market. This is accomplished through the elimination of tariffs on goods and facilitates 2-way trade. The growing bilateral commercial relationship also supports the transition to a green economy, as Canada-EU bilateral trade in environmental goods has grown by almost 54% over the past 7 years.
During their meeting, Minister Ng conveyed Canada's commitment to ensuring the continued success of CETA and the benefits of preferential market access for Canadian and French businesses alike. She reaffirmed that Canada will work closely with France to maintain our rich and strong relationship rooted in a shared history and common francophone culture, including as partners in La Francophonie.
