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Manitoba Premier Engages European Union Representatives to Boost Trade

In a strategic move aimed at enhancing international trade, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew convened with ambassadors and diplomats from the European Union on Tuesday morning at the Manitoba legislature. This significant meeting, which included 18 heads of mission from various European member states, was centered around initiatives to strengthen trade ties.

Premier Kinew emphasized the importance of this gathering as a platform to demonstrate Manitoba’s readiness for business, especially in the context of ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States. “We had that opening meeting today, the foundation-setting meeting today,” Kinew remarked, highlighting the event’s role in laying the groundwork for future collaborations.

The Premier indicated that further engagement with the ambassadors would focus on presenting concrete business opportunities that could benefit job creators in Manitoba. This follows recent developments in the province, where Manitoba Hydro has been requested to prioritize electricity exports for local Canadian projects instead of continuing existing contracts with Minnesota, which are approaching their expiration.

Additionally, Kinew proposed the development of a second port on Hudson Bay, distinct from the town of Churchill, as a potential avenue for enhancing trade relations with European countries. This initiative seeks to expand Manitoba’s trade capabilities, particularly given the seasonal limitations of the existing Port of Churchill caused by ice conditions.

“I would say post-Trump, we’re open to that and to all options,” Kinew stated, underlining a shift in the province’s approach to international trade.

Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Protection

The Premier acknowledged the critical need to balance economic development with environmental preservation, particularly concerning local wildlife such as belugas and polar bears. This equilibrium is essential as the province seeks to leverage its geographical position and resources for economic gain.

Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat, noted the significance of the EU representatives’ visit as it marked a rare opportunity for Manitoba to present its interests and capabilities to potential partners. “This is a first step — for many of them it’s their first visit to Manitoba, which often gets overlooked when European ambassadors cross the country,” Robertson explained, adding that regions like Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver frequently receive more attention.

Robertson stressed that this visit could pave the way for fruitful partnerships, encouraging Manitoba to clearly articulate its offerings to European countries. “Here’s what it’s going to cost, and here’s the opportunity for you — they’ll take that back to their countries as well as to the European Union, and that’s what you want,” he noted.

The two-day visit will not only involve discussions with Premier Kinew and his cabinet but also provide opportunities to engage with local organizations such as the Business Council of Manitoba and the Indigenous Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, the visiting delegation will tour the Canadian NORAD headquarters and CentrePoint Canada, enriching their understanding of Manitoba’s infrastructure and resources.

Representatives from various European nations, including Austria, Belgium, Germany, and Spain, participated in this important dialogue, signifying a collective interest in exploring trade possibilities with Manitoba. This endeavor reflects a growing recognition of Manitoba’s potential as a valuable trading partner on the global stage.

Source
globalnews.ca