Readout: Minister Ng meets virtually with G20 international trade counterparts to coordinate economic action plan

May 14, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, met virtually today with her G20 international trade counterparts. During the meeting, they committed to a collective action plan to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on jobs, trade, and the global economy, while ensuring the health and safety of their citizens.

To support businesses and workers, and lay the foundation for an inclusive and sustainable economic recovery that benefits everyone, the G20 ministers agreed to a range of short- and long-term steps designed to keep trade flowing and global supply chains open. This includes enhancing transparency; improving air, land and marine connectivity; and strengthening international investment and the multilateral trading system.

During the meeting, Minister Ng highlighted the importance of prioritizing trade-support measures over export restrictions, as well as the critical role of multilateral institutions like the World Trade Organization (WTO) in ensuring the economic stability, security and prosperity of Canadians and people around the world.

The ministers also discussed specific challenges faced by the most vulnerable people, including those in small businesses. Minister Ng raised the WTO statement on supporting small businesses, endorsed by 49 WTO members today, as bringing much-needed attention to need to help them through this crisis.

Minister Ng emphasized the need for countries to follow through on the collective actions in the G20 action plan without delay to benefit businesses, workers, and people.