Global investment in infrastructure is critical to supporting a strong economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and Canada is at the forefront of international expertise in the sector.
Yesterday, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, participated in a ministerial panel discussion at the Asia Infrastructure Forum 2021. The virtual event was hosted by Infrastructure Asia and Indranee Rajah, Singapore's Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, and sponsored in part by Canada. Panellists discussed the leadership roles governments can play in promoting innovative and sustainable infrastructure in global economic recoveries from the pandemic.
Minister Ng highlighted Canada's initiatives to help companies participate in infrastructure projects in Asia, including the formation of the Business, Economic and Trade Recovery (BETR) Team, and initiatives by Canada's Trade Commissioner Service, Business Development Canada, Export Development Canada, and the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), which are working together to support growth by delivering tailored support to Canadian companies as they pursue opportunities in Southeast Asia.
As well, Minister Ng spoke of Canada's leadership, expertise, and desire to partner on infrastructure that will help meet global sustainability goals. She highlighted several Canadian companies that are leading the way in the areas of infrastructure design, investment, and smart cities.
Lastly, Minister Ng noted that Canada is exploring ways to build on the memorandum of understanding on infrastructure collaboration between Canada and Infrastructure Asia and other arrangements that connect Canadian companies with innovative and sustainable infrastructure opportunities and partners in Southeast Asia.
Quotes
"The Asia Infrastructure Forum provides a unique opportunity to showcase Canadian infrastructure expertise and innovation. With support from our government and the BETR Team, Canadian companies can help Asian partners deliver quality projects on time and on budget while driving a recovery that promotes sustainability and resilience."
- Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
Quick facts
-
Nearly two thirds of the world's infrastructure investment needs are in emerging markets, with 54% located in Asia.
-
Established in 1946, CCC helps Canadian exporters sell products and services to foreign government buyers.
-
As Canada's government-to-government contracting service, CCC worked with 157 Canadian exporters in 2019 and 2020, signing $1.25 billion-worth of export contracts on their behalf.
-
The BETR Team was created to foster greater collaboration and innovation within the Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade portfolio, with a focus on achieving a robust economic recovery and longer-term inclusive growth.
-
On October 8, 2020, Minister Ng participated in the virtual signing ceremony for the renewal of the memorandum of understanding on infrastructure collaboration between Global Affairs Canada and Infrastructure Asia.
