Canada is committed to delivering an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery by promoting progressive trade relationships that benefit all, fostering growth, and creating good middle class jobs in the process.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, met with Chris Collennette, Chairperson of the Ireland Canada Business Association (ICBA), at the ICBA Business Summit 2021, where they discussed how Irish and Canadian businesses of all sizes and backgrounds can work together to promote a fast economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the event, Minister Ng highlighted the importance of the Canada-Ireland trade relationship and how the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is helping businesses on both side of the Atlantic start up, scale up, and access new opportunities. She noted how CETA's inclusive provisions embody Canada and Ireland's shared commitment to build a more innovative and sustainable economy that benefits all.
Minister Ng was joined by Simon Coveney, Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, as well as Nancy Smyth, Canada's Ambassador-designate to Ireland, and Eamonn McKee, Ireland's Ambassador to Canada.
Quotes
"International trade and the opportunities that flow from it will be critical for Canada's and Ireland's economic recoveries. It is by working together and building more bridges between our countries that we can secure a brighter and more inclusive future. We need to support our small and medium-sized businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, invest in their success, create jobs, and strengthen the middle class."
- Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Quick facts
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CETA provides Canadian businesses with favourable access to the Irish and European markets through a number of measures, including tariff reductions, increased labour mobility, and access to procurement markets at all levels of government.
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CETA is a progressive and inclusive trade agreement, with high standards for consumers, workers, and the environment.
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2-way merchandise trade between Canada and Ireland increased by 45.2% since CETA came into force in 2017.
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In 2019, Canada and Ireland celebrated the 80th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
