OTTAWA, Canada – On July 7 and 8, Mary Ng, minister of international trade, export promotion, small business and economic development, hosted Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, and Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo, Mexico’s secretary of economy, for the second meeting of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) Free Trade Commission (FTC).
The trilateral trade and investment relationship among Canada, the United States and Mexico is one of the most dynamic in the world, supporting economic growth, prosperity and good jobs in all three countries.
Marking the second anniversary of CUSMA’s entry into force, minister Ng, ambassador Tai and secretary Clouthier highlighted the ongoing implementation of CUSMA and its importance in advancing rules-based and inclusive trade in North America and supporting the region’s global competitiveness.
“In her meeting with ambassador Tai, minister Ng welcomed the agreement reached with the United States on removing US tariffs on solar products from Canada, an outcome that underscores the importance of rules-based trade and the dispute settlement process under CUSMA. Minister Ng raised key issues including the unjustified US duties on Canadian softwood lumber, as well as areas for collaboration including strengthening supply chains, engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and advancing WTO reform,” Media Relations Office, Global Affairs Canada, disclosed.
“During her meeting with secretary Clouthier, the minister reiterated Canada’s concern with the investment climate in Mexico, especially in the mining and energy sectors. Minister Ng also raised Canada’s concerns regarding Mexico’s approach to biotechnology. The minister highlighted the strong relationship between Canada and Mexico and progress being made in the implementation of CUSMA, and discussed the creation of a Canada-Mexico high-level economic dialogue which will provide a new forum to increase collaboration and strengthen competitiveness.”
On July 7, minister Ng, ambassador Tai and secretary Clouthier took part in a panel discussion on women in trade and efforts by all three countries to advance inclusivity and support for women entrepreneurs seeking to export and reach new international markets.
“Minister Ng thanked ambassador Tai and secretary Clouthier for their continued collaboration in supporting small businesses and creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the three countries. The FTC meeting concluded with the adoption of a trilateral statement outlining the overall results of the committees’ work and providing directions on maintaining momentum in implementation, reports Media Relations Office Global Affairs Canada.
“Canada, the United States and Mexico form one of the world’s largest and most competitive economic regions. As the world faces new challenges, it is more important now than ever that we continue to strengthen our ties. Through CUSMA, we will continue to provide businesses, investors and workers with a stable, predictable and secure trade and investment environment that supports the region’s recovery from the pandemic and our long-term prosperit,” said minister Ng.
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