The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade congratulated Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa on his election and reaffirmed Canada's commitment to expanding trade and investment between the two countries.
Together with his counterpart Luis Jaramillo, Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment, and Fisheries, Minister Sidhu issued a joint statement marking the successful conclusion of substantive negotiations for the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with the goal of bringing it into force as soon as possible.
This agreement is a concrete example of Canada's efforts to diversify trade and create new opportunities for Canadian businesses. By reducing tariffs and other trade barriers, the Canada-Ecuador FTA will make it easier for Canadian companies to export to Ecuador, helping them grow and create jobs while benefiting workers and consumers in both countries.
Minister Sidhu also took part in a roundtable with Canadian companies active in the mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors. He emphasized Canada's support for businesses and responsible business practices, including protecting the environment, respecting workers' rights and working with local communities.
Canada is supporting Ecuador in its efforts to enhance democratic and inclusive governance, combat crime and corruption, and protect the environment. To this end, Minister Sidhu announced a package of new international assistance initiatives totalling $26.22 million.
