Advancing women's economic empowerment and participation in trade is fundamental to the Government of Canada's Export Diversification Strategy and key to ensuring that Canada's economic future is inclusive, sustainable and resilient.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, concluded her participation in the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada's women-only trade mission to Japan. The trip focused on expanding trade between women-owned and -led businesses in the health care and cleantech sectors.
Throughout the trip, Minister Ng emphasized the importance of women in driving economic growth and increasing trade ties between Canada and Japan. The Minister participated in a fireside chat with NODA Yumiko, Chair and Representative Director of Veolia Japan K.K. and Vice-Chair of the Board of Councillors of Keidanren, to highlight supports available to Canadian women business owners and the importance of increasing collaboration between Canadian and Japanese innovators. Minister Ng also led a round table with women business leaders in Tokyo.
Building on the momentum of the recently announced Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Minister also met with Minister HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, where they discussed the Strategy, as well as Canada's strong interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity. Minister Ng highlighted that as the world's fastest growing region, the Indo-Pacific is important to Canada's economic prosperity, and that Canada is committed to continuing to broaden and deepen its trade, investment and commercial relationships with Indo-Pacific countries. Both ministers reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between Canada and Japan.
Minister Ng also met with NISHIMURA Yasutoshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. The ministers affirmed their support for shared objectives such as rules-based trade and enhanced collaboration to promote regional economic security and a global clean energy transition.
Minister Ng met with Minister GOTO Shigeyuki, Minister Responsible for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, to discuss ways in which Canada and Japan can work together to uphold CPTPP's high standards and support rules-based trade.
During her visit, Minister Ng met with representatives of leading Canadian and Japanese businesses in Japan, such as Northland Power, SEGA, Next Mobility, and Sojitz. Minister Ng also took part in a plant tour with Mitsui High-tec, Inc., Inc., a manufacturer that is making essential parts for electric vehicles in Brantford, Ontario and is benefiting from Canada's strong supply chains.
Minister Ng led the official opening of Canada's trade office in Fukuoka, where she delivered remarks and met with Canadian and Japanese officials and business leaders to promote the advantages of increased trade between Canada and Japan.
