Minister Ng successfully concludes first Trade Policy Dialogue with African Union Commission

May 17, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, welcomed Albert M. Muchanga, African Union Commissioner for Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Minerals, to the inaugural Canada-African Union Commission (AUC) Trade Policy Dialogue (TPD).

Minister Ng and Commissioner Muchanga signed a Cooperation Framework to establish the TPD as a long-term and ongoing initiative. They discussed the development of the Canada-Africa Economic Cooperation Strategy and the different ways that Canada can continue to support inclusive economic growth and integration in Africa. These include potential areas for collaboration with the AUC on trade, investment and innovation. They also discussed ways to identify opportunities for strengthened partnerships between Canadian and African businesses.

Minister Ng also announced Canada’s support for the African Union to have observer status at the World Trade Organization. Throughout the TPD, shared priorities were reaffirmed, including establishing a comprehensive partnership between Canada and the AUC, and supporting the development of inclusive, rules-based trade policy in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).