First anniversary of Canada – United States – Mexico agreement

CANADA / USA – Mary Ng, minister of small business, export promotion and international trade, yesterday, joined Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, and Tatiana Clouthier Carrillo, Mexico’s secretary of economy, to mark the first anniversary of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) coming into force.

At the virtual event, organized by the Washington DC-based Wilson Center, minister Ng reiterated Canada’s commitment to a successful implementation of CUSMA and highlighted the importance of the trilateral trade relationship in a mutual recovery from COVID-19 and, also, in making the North American economy more globally competitive for years to come.

Minister Ng highlighted the dynamic trade relationship and deeply integrated supply chains that allowed for essential trade to continue during COVID-19 will also be the foundation for a sustainable and inclusive recovery and will strengthen North American competitiveness. As a reliable and sustainable supplier of critical minerals, minister Ng discussed Canada’s eagerness to continue innovating together with the United States and Mexico to find solutions that will create further economic opportunities in all sectors including, agriculture, natural resources, energy, and emerging sectors like clean technology and sustainable infrastructure.

The minister thanked ambassador Tai and Secretary Clouthier for their continued collaboration in ensuring that trade between the three countries protects and supports workers, supports small businesses, and creates opportunities for under-represented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, and racialized communities.

Canada, the United States and Mexico share one of the most important trade relationships in the world, supporting growth, prosperity and good jobs in all three countries to ensure a strong, sustainable and inclusive economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The strength and importance of the new NAFTA has already been illustrated in Canada, the United States, and Mexico’s continued cross-border trade through the challenges created by COVID-19. That strong, inclusive relationship is what will bring mutual economic recovery for our economies and make North America a world leader in ensuring a greener, safer, and more equitable future. I look forward to continue implementing CUSMA with ambassador Tai and secretary Clouthier and advancing trade and prosperity for each of our countries,” said minister Ng.