Readout
Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, met virtually with Damien O'Connor, New Zealand's Minister of Agriculture and Minister for Trade and Export Growth, Biosecurity, Land Information and Rural Communities.
The 2 ministers discussed the importance of the international community working together in response to COVID-19. They agreed global collaboration is key to ensuring equitable, timely, and affordable access to tests, treatments, and vaccines, all of which are critical to advancing a global economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ministers reaffirmed the need to continue to champion multilateral cooperation, including in the Canada-led Ottawa Group's efforts to reform the WTO and strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system.
Minister Ng reiterated the Government of Canada's commitment to strengthening trade ties and creating opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers in international markets. She reiterated that Canada wishes to strengthen ties with its fellow members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and to see the partnership expanded to include other economies willing and able to meet its high standards.
Minister Ng conveyed that Canada looks forward to working with its partners to advance exploratory discussions on joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, whose members include New Zealand, Chile, and Singapore. She said that this would help Canadian businesses of all sizes navigate a more digital economy, provide clear rules on e-commerce, and promote growth that benefits everyone.
Minister Ng highlighted the importance of Canada's ongoing cooperation with New Zealand on issues such as Indigenous rights, climate change, and inclusive trade. She expressed Canada's commitment to working closely with New Zealand in the latter's role as host of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation this year.
