Ensure that our global engagements are maximizing relationship and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.

What success looks like

Targeted global engagements by the Minister of International Trade Diversification, and increased commercial and partnership opportunities for Canadian businesses through the work of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.

Government's narrative on progress

The Minister of International Trade Diversification continues to nurture strong international relationships with foreign leaders and business people in order to develop global opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. In November 2018, the Minister accompanied the Prime Minister to the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Papua New Guinea to meet with partners in the Asia-Pacific region and to continue to expand and diversify Canada’s trade, attract global investment, and create new economic opportunities for Canada. Through participation at the International Economic Forum of the Americas’ Toronto Global Forum in December, the Minister promoted Canada's trade diversification agenda and engaged with business leaders from the Americas. Also in December, with the Minister of Finance, the Minister of International Trade Diversification co-chaired the Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue (EFSD). At that meeting, the two countries agreed to work together to double agricultural trade by 2025, focus on priority sectors like agriculture and energy, and committed to strengthening economic and commercial cooperation. While in Beijing, the Minister of International Trade Diversification also attended the Canada-China Business Council’s annual general meeting and had significant interactions with Canadian and Chinese business leaders. In addition to this high-level engagement, Global Affairs Canada has Trade Commissioners deployed in over 160 locations around the world who are connecting Canadian exporters with commercial opportunities and encouraging new investments into Canada. The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) provides assistance to nearly 15,000 clients. For each client, this means drawing on established relationships and forging new partnerships to meet their unique needs and goals. Firms that work with the Trade Commissioner Service export 19.8 percent more on average and are also more diversified, accessing 24.8 percent more foreign markets. In the Fall Economic Statement, of November 2018, the government announced additional funding for the Trade Commissioner Service, as follows: • $60 million in new funding over the next five years that will provide the TCS with a refreshed digital presence, including new online tools for exporters, enhanced market intelligence, and tools to facilitate seamless client referrals between other federal and provincial partners. • $44.1 million over the next five years for expanded TCS services abroad, including the increase of the number of trade commissioners available to serve Canadian businesses in key overseas markets such as China and India, and major markets involved in the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreements.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.