Minister Sidhu advances trade and represents Canada in Ecuador
News release
May 23, 2025 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, will represent the Government of Canada in Quito at the inauguration of President Daniel Noboa.
Canada and Ecuador share a strong and growing relationship, which will benefit from the bilateral free trade agreement that is on track for timely ratification. Minister Sidhu will relay Canada’s congratulations to President Noboa and his government for their election victory on April 13. On the margins of the inauguration, Minister Sidhu will engage with regional leaders to discuss Canada’s role as a stable and reliable business partner for Latin America.
While in Quito, Minister Sidhu will meet with representatives from Canadian mining companies, in particular to discuss critical minerals and infrastructure opportunities in Ecuador. He will speak with Ecuadorian business leaders about deepening trade and investment through the Canada-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement.
Quotes
“I am honored to represent Canada at this significant event. Our relationship with Ecuador is strong, built on growing trade and investment. I am eager to enhance our partnership further, creating increased opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
-
Canada and Ecuador successfully concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement in January 2025. Each country is proceeding with its respective legislative process with a goal of bringing the agreement into force in 2026.
-
Canada and Ecuador have complementary trade relations, with Canada importing mostly tropical fruits, cut flowers, cacao, and seafood from Ecuador, and Ecuador importing 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.
-
In December 2022, Ecuador opened a new trade office at its embassy in Ottawa to create more opportunities for Canadian and Ecuadorian companies.
-
Last February, the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) signed a contract to develop the structuring of a road corridor in the south of Ecuador (Loja – Catamayo); in May CCC also signed an MoU to explore the opportunity for developing the structuring of Fifth Bridge road project in Guayaquil.
Associated links
Contacts
Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on X (Twitter): @CanadaTrade
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s international trade - Global Affairs Canada