Minister Carr to travel to Davos, Switzerland, to advance Canada’s trade priorities

News release

January 14, 2019 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

In an environment of global trading uncertainty, the imperative to diversify beyond traditional markets and provide Canadian businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, with the confidence they need to succeed in international markets, is key to the prosperity and economic growth of Canada.

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, will attend the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Annual Meeting from January 22 to 25, 2019, in Davos, Switzerland, to advocate for the reform of the international rules-based trading system and promote Canada’s efforts to build a resilient economy supported by inclusive and diversified trade and investment.

On January 24, in a follow-up to the Ottawa Ministerial on WTO Reform in October 2018, Minister Carr will reconvene the small, representative group of WTO members committed to improving the multilateral trading system. Representatives of Australia, Brazil, Chile, the European Union, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Korea and Switzerland will join the Minister to review the progress made since October and to discuss the next steps toward strengthening and modernizing the WTO.

On January 25, he will attend a ministerial breakfast to discuss WTO e-commerce negotiations as well as the Swiss-hosted WTO Mini-Ministerial meeting, where he will present on the efforts of the Ottawa group.

While in Davos, Minister Carr will engage with counterparts and global business leaders to position Canada as a destination of choice for international investors, offering a stable, low-risk environment for long-term investment.

Quotes

“Reforming and recommitting to the institutions of the rules-based multilateral system and diversifying trade and investment globally to fuel strong economic growth are top priorities for Canada. I am looking forward to meeting with my counterparts and global business leaders to discuss ways to improve international trade to the benefit of all citizens.”

- Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

Quick facts

  • The WEF brings together the world’s private, public and civil society leaders in collaborative activities focused on shaping global, regional and industry agendas.

  • Minister Carr will be joined in Davos by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs; the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance; the Honourable Navdeep Singh Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development; and Ian McKay, CEO of Invest in Canada.

  • Under the theme of Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, this year’s forum will help advance the government’s priorities of bolstering and reforming the institutions of the rules-based international order, diversifying trade and investment globally, and making trade more inclusive.

  • Established in 1995, the WTO helps create and manage the rules for trade between its 164 members.

Associated links

Contacts

Isabella Brisson-Urdaneta
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade Diversification
343-203-7332
Isabella.Brisson-Urdaneta@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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