Readout: Minister Ng speaks with France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness

September 3, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, spoke with Franck Riester, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs. They discussed how Canada and France will continue to work together to strengthen the economic relationship between both countries, creating jobs and promoting new opportunities for Canadian and French businesses as both economies begin to recover.

Minister Ng impressed the importance of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in providing opportunities and stability for businesses in support of global economic recovery from COVID-19. The ministers discussed the importance of building inclusive economies, ensuring that small businesses and women entrepreneurs can access the benefits of trade.

The ministers also acknowledged that fighting climate change is a key priority for both Canada and the European Union, and they committed to ensuring that the implementation of CETA and of the Paris Agreement are mutually reinforcing, including through the CETA Joint Committee recommendation on trade, climate action and the Paris Agreement.