Minister Maninder Sidhu of Canada participated in the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting and a WTO mini-ministerial meeting in Paris, reaffirming Canada’s commitment to a rules-based global trading system.
This involvement highlights Canada’s dedication to strengthening international trade relationships and supporting economic growth through collaborative efforts.
Minister Sidhu’s participation underscores Canada’s proactive role in advocating for modernized trade rules and fostering sustainable economic development.
Canada’s Role in Global Trade
Canada, alongside the Philippines, will co-chair the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) from 2025 to 2028.
This partnership aims to enhance regional cooperation and support economic development in Southeast Asia, aligning with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Canadian government has committed $2 million to support SEARP activities.
This financial contribution reflects Canada’s dedication to fostering regional growth and strengthening its influence within international organizations like the OECD.
WTO Reforms and Business Collaboration
Minister Sidhu advocated for reforms within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to modernize its rules.
These reforms aim to ensure that global trade remains open, fair, and responsive to contemporary challenges while supporting long-term prosperity.
In addition, Minister Sidhu hosted a business roundtable with Canadian companies operating in France. This initiative seeks to strengthen collaboration with reliable trading partners and enhance opportunities for Canadian businesses abroad.
Canadian Economic Initiatives
- Strengthening trade relationships supports economic stability for Canadian businesses.
- Canada’s leadership roles increase its global influence and trade opportunities.
- The SEARP involvement aligns with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy for regional development
Quotes from Leadership
“A predictable, rules-based international order is essential to fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”
“We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that global trade and investment remains open, fair and responsive to today’s challenges and supports long-term global prosperity.”
– Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Canadian Resources
The Takeaway
The active participation of Canada in international forums like the OECD MCM and WTO meetings demonstrates its commitment to promoting a stable trading environment.
By investing in regional programmes such as SEARP, Canada not only strengthens its own economy but also contributes positively towards global economic development.
Sources: Government of Canada, and OECD.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
