Ottawa, May 24, 2025 – In a significant step towards expanding trade and investment between the two countries, Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu has congratulated Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa on his election and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to diversifying its trade partnerships.
This announcement marks a concrete example of Canada’s efforts to create new opportunities for Canadian businesses in key sectors such as clean energy, responsible mining, defence, infrastructure, and sustainable agri-food trade. The Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aims to reduce tariffs and other trade barriers, making it easier for Canadian companies to export to Ecuador.
Minister Sidhu met with his counterpart Luis Jaramillo, Minister of Production, Foreign Trade, Investment, and Fisheries, to discuss the successful conclusion of substantive negotiations for the Canada-Ecuador FTA. The agreement is expected to bring about significant economic benefits for both countries, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.
The minister also took part in a roundtable with Canadian companies active in the mining, oil and gas, and infrastructure sectors. He emphasized Canada’s support for businesses and responsible business practices, including protecting the environment, respecting workers’ rights, and working with local communities.
To strengthen their economic partnership, Minister Sidhu announced a package of new international assistance initiatives totaling $26.22 million. These initiatives include:
- Improving Access to Justice in Ecuador with the United Nations Development Programme (funding of $5 million over 5 years)
- PROGRESAR+ with Développement international Desjardins (funding of $16.7 million over 5 years)
- Technical Assistance Partnership – Indigenous justice initiative in Ecuador with the Office of the Commissioner for Federal Judicial Affairs Canada (funding of $200,000 over 1 year)
- Indigenous Clean Energy Renewable Energy Solidarity with Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise (funding of $320,000 over 2 years)
- DISRUPT with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime Ecuador (funding of $4 million over 4 years)
The trade relationship between Canada and Ecuador is highly complementary, with Canada importing tropical fruits, flowers, cacao, and seafood from Ecuador, while Ecuador buys wheat, lentils, and peas from Canada.
With the entry into force of the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement, Canada will have trade agreements with all the countries on the South American Pacific Coast. This marks a significant step towards strengthening Canada’s economic ties in the region and creating new opportunities for Canadian businesses.
Conclusion
The Canada-Ecuador FTA is a testament to Canada’s commitment to building strong, sustainable trade partnerships that open doors for Canadian businesses and workers. By reducing tariffs and other trade barriers, this agreement will help create good jobs at home and support long-term, shared growth – especially in key sectors like clean energy, responsible mining, defence, infrastructure, and sustainable agri-food trade.