Latest news with #SaraWilshaw
Hindustan Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Indian, Canadian govt representatives hold discussions on trade and investment
Toronto: Catalysed by business associations, Indian and Canadian government representatives have held multiple discussions in recent days focused on trade and investment. Indian and Canadian officials along with other stakeholders in the India-Canada trade corridor at the roundtable in Ottawa last week. (Credit: High Commission of India, Ottawa) On Wednesday, the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber (ICBC) organised a business roundtable in Toronto, a closed-door dialogue on the 'evolving' India-Canada economic relationship. The special guests featured Sara Wilshaw, Canada's Chief Trade Commissioner and Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada, the country's foreign ministry, and India's Acting Consul General in Toronto Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh. A week earlier, a similar roundtable in Ottawa was attended by Global Affairs Canada (GAC's) Director General for South Asia Marie-Louise Hannan and India's Acting High Commissioner Chinmoy Naik. Also present at both meetings was India's former High Commissioner to Ottawa Ajay Bisaria. Bisaria said, 'There is cautious optimism, a sense what was a headwind for businesses for the last two years has become a tailwind.' ICBC's CEO Nadira Hamid later told the Hindustan Times while this appeared to be a 'positive time' for trade ties, with the governments 'poised' to enter a 'new phase' in the relationship, they wanted to 'to ensure this momentum carries on'. She described these roundtables as 'round one' of the business advocacy events, with more such interfaces planned for later in 2025 and for spring next year. Following the roundtable in Ottawa, India's High Commission in Ottawa had posted that Naik 'emphasised deepening India-Canada commercial & investment relations.' After the Toronto event, India's consulate posted that Wilshaw and Singh 'provided key insights on strengthening this vital economic corridor — building on the momentum of the recent meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and Canada.' That reference was to the bilateral meeting between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Mark Carney on the margins of the G7 leaders' summit in Kananaskis last month. Indian and Canadian officials along with other stakeholders in the India-Canada trade corridor at the roundtable in Toronto on Thursday. (Consulate General of India, Toronto) Hamid said, 'We need to continue taking steps to go in the right direction. Our suggestion is to concentrate on niche sectors which are important for both governments.' These include agri-tech, artificial intelligence, LNG, critical minerals and auto parts, among others. She also said another focus area was education partnerships, particularly innovation and technology ties between universities. Indian companies seeking to expand their footprint in Canada are also seeking e-visas for businesses, like those that India issues, Hamid pointed out. These meetings follow the visit by GAC's Assistant Deputy Minister (Indo-Pacific) Weldon Epp to India earlier this month during which he travelled to New Delhi and Mumbai. He met Canadian institutional investors, including pension funds, while in the commercial capital.
Canada Standard
30-05-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
Canada diversifies trade in the Indo-Pacific region through the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia
May 30, 2025 - Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Global Affairs Canada Today, the Government of Canada concluded a successful Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to Thailand and Cambodia. The delegation, led by Sara Wilshaw, Canada's Chief Trade Commissioner and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade, brought together more than 150 representatives from over 90 Canadian organizations, of which 80% are small and medium-sized enterprises, to explore the unique business opportunities that Thailand and Cambodia have to offer. As Canada works to build a stronger, more resilient economy, the Team Canada approach to trade missions is a proven tool that generates economic benefits for Canadians. As a key initiative under Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, this TCTM opened doors for Canadian businesses in a wide range of sectors to: form new connections in 2 of Southeast Asia's emerging markets diversify their trade strategies increase their resilience develop products and services that benefit Canada During the TCTM's business-to-business sessions, Ms. Wilshaw saw Canadian, Thai and Cambodian companies in action. She was impressed by the number of meaningful connections made between Canada and its trade partners through this trade mission. In Bangkok, Thailand, Ms. Wilshaw met with Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, President of Thailand Trade Representatives and Adviser to the Prime Minister of Thailand. She also spoke with members of the board of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and senior executives of the Charoen Pokphand Group, the largest Thai investor in Canada. In doing so, she highlighted Canada's work in expanding trade, investment and supply-chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. For example, she noted the opening of a 12th Export Development Canada representation in Bangkok, which helps Canadian companies diversify into the Indo-Pacific region, resulting in more and better business opportunities for Canadians. She also noted Canada's 15 free trade agreements, spanning 51 countries, as the foundation of Canada's trade-diversification efforts. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Ms. Wilshaw met with Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, Sok Siphana, Senior Minister and Adviser to the Prime Minister; Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce; and Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. She spoke about mutual trade and investment priorities, sector-specific opportunities and the progress being made on a free trade agreement between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. She also highlighted Canada's commitment to deepening its engagement in Cambodia under Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. She noted that Canada's presence in Phnom Penh was upgraded to an embassy in March 2025 and that this TCTM was the largest-ever Canadian delegation to visit Cambodia.
Cision Canada
26-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
EDC launches representation in Thailand, opening new doors for Canadian exporters Français
OTTAWA, ON and BANGKOK, May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Export Development Canada (EDC) is pleased to announce the opening of its newest Asian representation in Bangkok, Thailand, marking a significant milestone in EDC's Indo-Pacific strategy. This expansion underscores EDC's commitment to supporting Canadian businesses in navigating and capitalizing on the dynamic and rapidly evolving Thai market. Thailand is a key driver of economic growth in Southeast Asia, and as one of the region's largest economies, boasted a gross domestic product (GDP) of over $500 billion in 2024. The country's strategic location at the heart of Southeast Asia, coupled with developed infrastructure and a business-friendly environment, makes Thailand an important hub for Canadian trade and investment in the Indo-Pacific region. Canadian exporters have already had success in the market, growing trade to Thailand by $1 billion, or 17%, between 2019 and 2024. "EDC has long focused on trade diversification to help Canadian companies seize opportunities beyond our traditional markets," said Alison Nankivell, President and CEO, EDC. "The new representation in Bangkok is part of EDC's broader Indo-Pacific strategy, aimed at investing in resources and relationships that align with both Canadian strengths and Thailand's economic and sustainability priorities. For companies looking to diversify into the Thai market or to establish a long-term presence, we're here to help you." This newly launched representation in Bangkok will provide vital assistance for Canadian exporters, helping these companies navigate the Thai market and seize on the country's growth opportunities. Agri-food, infrastructure, aerospace and clean technology are key sectors for Canadian exporters in Thailand. In 2024, EDC supported over 200 customers in Thailand, helping generate more than $350 million in business, and with potential for much more. Southeast Asia is a region with strong potential and has emerged as a priority market for Canadian companies. EDC's financing, insurance and knowledge solutions are designed to help companies manage trade-related risks, expand internationally and reach new markets. Our in-market staff in both Canada and in the Indo-Pacific region collaborate closely with Government of Canada trade partners, working alongside the Trade Commissioner Service and Global Affairs Canada to help Canadian exporters navigate the challenges of entering new markets and capitalize on growth opportunities in key sectors. "Thailand's strategic location and robust economic growth make it a valuable trade and investment partner for Canada in the Indo-Pacific region," said Sara Wilshaw, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister International Trade, and Chief Trade Commissioner Global Affairs Canada. "EDC's new presence in Bangkok aligns with the Government of Canada's broader strategy to strengthen bilateral trade relations and support Canadian companies as they explore new opportunities in this vibrant market." Canada and Thailand share a robust trade relationship, with bilateral trade upwards of $6 billion in 2024. Thailand's participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Free Trade Area and Canada's involvement in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) strengthen trade positions in the region. With Thailand's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and net-zero emissions by 2065, there are significant opportunities for Canadian companies specializing in renewable energy, energy efficiency solutions and sustainable technologies. The new Bangkok representation, led by Chief Representative Cindy Lim, complements EDC's existing Indo-Pacific representations in New Delhi, Mumbai, Shanghai, Beijing, Jakarta, Seoul, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Sydney as well as a branch in Singapore. About EDC
