Minister Ng promotes Canada-Texas economic ties during visit to Austin

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

May 23, 2024 - Austin, Texas - Global Affairs Canada

Canada and the United States have one of the closest and most important trade relationships in the world. It is built on long-standing shared values and deeply integrated supply chains that create opportunities for businesses and workers on both sides of the border. Texas plays an integral role in this relationship.

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, and Kirsten Hillman, Ambassador of Canada to the United States, today met with government and industry representatives in Austin. The visit was part of the Team Canada engagement strategy with the United States. The strategy centres on promoting Canadian interests in and with the United States, one of Canada’s closest allies.

During a meeting with Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, Minister Ng and Ambassador Hillman highlighted Canada’s significant business and investment presence in the state. They also discussed opportunities for increased collaboration.

The Minister and Ambassador met with Canadian provincial representatives and of Canadian-owned companies with operations in Texas to hear their views on Canada-United States commercial relations, particularly those between Canada and Texas.

Minister Ng delivered remarks and led a discussion at a luncheon hosted by the Texas Association of Business, the largest state chamber of commerce in the United States. The Minister highlighted Canada’s robust technology and manufacturing sectors and their strong integration into U.S. and Mexican supply chains. Minister Ng also heard from leaders of some of Texas’ growing industries—including technology manufacturing, space technology and semiconductor production—who have significant trade ties to Canada, the United States and Mexico.

In a round table on supply-chain resilience hosted by the North American Strategy for Competitiveness Network, the Minister heard from representatives of the trucking and infrastructure industries on supply-chain logistics in the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) trade corridor. Minister Ng underscored Canada’s commitment to CUSMA and North American economic growth and heard insights and local perspectives from participants.

Quotes

“Canada and the United States are key allies in the economic security and prosperity of North America. Canada and Texas have deep economic ties, particularly through our integrated supply chains. Our Team Canada engagement strategy with the United States is all about strengthening and promoting these bonds to support economic resilience, competitiveness and prosperity in Canada and Texas.”

- Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development

Quick facts

  • Canada and the United States share one of the largest trade relationships in the world, with trade valued at $1.3 trillion in 2022.

  • Texas is Canada’s third-largest merchandise trade partner in the United States.

  • Between 2012 and 2022, Canadian companies reported 137 investment projects in Texas, $7.4 billion in capital investment and more than 11,600 new jobs.

  • In January 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a renewed Team Canada engagement strategy to promote Canada’s interests in and with the United States.

  • Minister Ng, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Ambassador Hillman co-lead the strategy implementation. They are conducting outreach in Canada and the United States with the goal of reinforcing the important economic and diplomatic relationship between Canada and the United States.

  • The Team Canada approach involves experts and leaders in business, labour and academia, along with provincial and territorial partners.

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Contacts

Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
343-576-4365
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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