June 2, 2025 – Ottawa, Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, will be in Paris, France, from June 2 to 4, 2025, to advance Canada’s trade priorities at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM). This high-level meeting brings together leading economies to address global economic challenges and promote sustainable growth.
At the OECD MCM, Minister Sidhu will focus on reinforcing open and stable markets, diversifying trading relationships, and leveraging the digital economy. These priorities aim to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Canada, benefiting businesses, workers, and communities across the country.
The G7 presidency this year provides a unique opportunity for Canada to promote its trade interests and strengthen market ties. Minister Sidhu will host a trade ministers’ meeting, where he will emphasize the G7’s role in promoting economic prosperity for citizens and businesses while strengthening economic security and resilience in the face of evolving global trade challenges.
“Helping Canadian businesses grow internationally means championing a fair, transparent and open rules-based system for global trade,” Minister Sidhu said. “Organizations like the OECD, WTO, and G7 are crucial partners in this endeavour. Next week in Paris, I’ll be focused on pushing for Canada’s trade interests and greater market diversification.”
Canada holds a critical position at the OECD MCM, alongside Costa Rica as chair and Australia and Lithuania as vice-chairs. This marks an important opportunity for Minister Sidhu to engage with global leaders and promote Canada’s trade priorities.
The G7 presidency has brought Canada to the forefront of international trade discussions. As part of this effort, Minister Sidhu will work closely with WTO ministers to address common challenges and opportunities in global trade. The digital economy is also a key focus area, with Canada seeking to leverage its strengths in technology to drive growth and competitiveness.
As Minister Sidhu navigates these complex global issues, he will be representing the interests of Canadian businesses, workers, and communities. His engagement at the OECD MCM and G7 trade ministers’ meeting is expected to have a significant impact on Canada’s trade priorities and its relationships with key trading partners.
Key Issues
- Reinforcing Open and Stable Markets: Minister Sidhu will focus on promoting open and stable markets, essential for Canadian businesses to grow and compete globally.
- Diversifying Trading Relationships: Canada seeks to diversify its trading relationships, reducing dependence on any one market and increasing resilience in the face of global economic challenges.
- Leveraging the Digital Economy: The digital economy is a key area of focus for Minister Sidhu, as Canada seeks to harness its strengths in technology to drive growth and competitiveness.
In conclusion, Minister Sidhu’s engagement at the OECD MCM and G7 trade ministers’ meeting marks an important milestone in Canada’s trade priorities. By advancing open and stable markets, diversifying trading relationships, and leveraging the digital economy, Canada aims to foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth, benefiting businesses, workers, and communities across the country.