The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met with government and business leaders in Brazil and Colombia to expand trade and investment. The 6-day visit is part of Canada's efforts to help diversify Canada's international markets while supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the Americas.
In Brasilia, Minister Sidhu discussed trade cooperation with Vice-President and Minister of Development, Industry, Trade and Services of Brazil Geraldo Alckmin. Minister Sidhu reaffirmed Canada's role as a reliable and dynamic global partner. In a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brazil Mauro Vieira, the ministers discussed shared goals such as advancing regional cooperation and sustainability. The ministers issued a joint statement to advance the resumption of Canada-Mercosur Free Trade Agreement negotiations.
In sessions with mining and energy industry leaders and government decision-makers, Minister Sidhu discussed the importance of promoting 2-way trade and investment in critical minerals, supply chains and sustainable energy. He met with Minister of Mines and Energy of Brazil Alexandre Silveira to highlight the valued expertise Canada brings on critical minerals, clean energy and supply chains.
In São Paulo, Minister Sidhu met with Tarcísio de Freitas, Governor of the State of São Paulo-Brazil's business capital-to highlight Canada's commitment to growing business ties in the region. This meeting marks the first time Governor de Freitas has met with a Canadian official. Minister Sidhu spoke with Brazilian government officials and industry leaders about opportunities for Canada and Brazil to cooperate further in trade and investment in energy, mining (including critical minerals), and sustainability.
Minister Sidhu met with the President of Embraer, Brazil's top aerospace company, to explore opportunities in clean aviation, research and development, and advanced manufacturing. He also met with the President of Eurofarma, a major life sciences company, to discuss opportunities for the company to expand its operations in Canada.
Minister Sidhu met with business leaders at the Canada-Brazil Business Forum, hosted by the Federation of Industries of the State of São Paulo, to promote Canada as a strong and reliable partner for investment and trade.
While in Bogotá, Minister Sidhu promoted Canadian business expertise, particularly in infrastructure, clean technology, mining, and renewable energy, and explored new opportunities for partnerships that will benefit workers and companies in both Canada and Colombia. Minister Sidhu also met with Colombia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Rosa Villavicencio to advocate for a stable and predictable investment environment.
Minister Sidhu participated in a roundtable with Colombian business leaders to hear first-hand about opportunities and challenges in the market; he highlighted Canada's commitment to responsible business conduct and rules-based trade.
Minister Sidhu also visited the SATENA aviation facility to celebrate the partnership between the Colombian airline and Calgary-based De Havilland Aircraft of Canada, which is supplying 8 new DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft under a 2024 purchase agreement.
