Image: CUSMA Twitter handle of Mary Ng
Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business, and Economic Development Mary Ng, on July 7 and 8 hosted United States Trade Representative, Katherine Tai, and Mexico’s Secretary of Economy, Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo for the second meeting of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Free Trade Commission (FTC).
Canada, the United States, and Mexico maintain one of the most dynamic trilateral trade and investment relationships in the world, supporting economic growth, prosperity, and good jobs in all three countries.
“Canada, the United States, and Mexico form one of the world’s largest and most competitive economic regions…through CUSMA, we will continue to provide…a stable, predictable, and secure trade and investment environment…and our long-term prosperity,” said Mary Ng in a news release.
While marking the second anniversary of CUSMA’s entry into force, the ongoing implementation of CUSMA was highlighted by Minister Ng, Ambassador Tai, and Secretary Clouthier as well as its importance in advancing inclusive and rules-based trade in North America and supporting the region’s global competitiveness.
Agreement reached with the United States on the removal of U.S. tariffs on solar products from Canada underscoring the importance of rules-based trade and the dispute settlement process under CUSMA was welcomed by Minister Ng, in her meeting with Ambassador Tai.
Key issues discussed by Minister Ng included the unjustified U.S. duties on Canadian softwood lumber, areas for collaboration including strengthening supply chains, engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and advancing reform in the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In addition to Canada’s concern with the investment climate in Mexico, especially in the mining and energy sectors was reiterated by Minister Ng during her meeting with Secretary Clouthier, Canada’s concerns regarding Mexico’s approach to biotechnology were also discussed.
Highlighting the strong relationship between Canada and Mexico and progress being made in the implementation of CUSMA, Minister Ng also discussed the creation of a Canada-Mexico High-Level Economic Dialogue to provide a new forum to increase collaboration and strengthen competitiveness.
On July 7, Minister Ng, Ambassador Tai, and Secretary Clouthier participated in a panel discussion on women in trade and efforts by all three countries to advance inclusivity as well as support women entrepreneurs seeking to export and reach new international markets.
Minister Ng acknowledged Ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier for their continued collaboration in supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the 3 countries.
With the adoption of a trilateral statement outlining the committees’ work and providing incentives in implementation. the FTC meeting concluded.
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