The need for Canada's trade to be well diversified has never been more clear. As Canadian businesses confront the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada will continue to support the growth of established and aspiring exporters.
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, announced that she will lead a group of Canadian businesses on a virtual trade mission to South Korea. Conducted via a web-based conference, the trade mission will offer 2 separate programs to explore business opportunities in South Korea's highly dynamic market:
- October 28, 2020 - A seminar on preparing for international markets offered to entrepreneurs in all sectors
- November 5, 2020 - Sector-specific events on helping businesses-particularly those in the life sciences, and information and communications technology sectors-take advantage of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) and the opportunities in the region's digital sector.
Interested business owners and entrepreneurs have until October 23, 2020 to apply.
This builds upon the recently announced first-ever virtual trade mission for women entrepreneurs to South Korea, hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APFC). On November 3 and 4, 2020, Minister Ng will participate in the APFC mission to support women entrepreneurs seeking to expand their businesses into the South Korean market.
Quotes
"We're not letting COVID-19 prevent us from helping Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs explore new international markets. I'm excited to lead a business delegation on this virtual trade mission to help entrepreneurs take advantage of our trade agreement with South Korea and the growing opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region."
- Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Quick facts
-
South Korea is Canada's seventh-largest merchandise trading partner overall and third-largest in Asia.
-
This year, 2020, marks the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the CKFTA.
-
Under the CKFTA, Canada has seen significant export gains across a number of sectors, notably in agri-food, artificial intelligence, information and communications technology, and life sciences. Bilateral merchandise trade reached $15.2 billion in 2019.
-
The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service is helping Canadian businesses grow by connecting them with international opportunities, funding and support programs, and its network of Trade Commissioners in over 160 cities worldwide.
