IITIO Chair Wayne Garnons-Williams meeting Ontario Trade Minister Michael Chan in Toronto.
On May 9, 2018, Wayne Garnons-Williams, Chair of the International Inter-Tribal Trade and Investment Organization (IITIO), met for the morning with Ontario Ministry of Trade representatives and then in the afternoon of the same day briefed the Ontario Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs on the issues of Global Indigenous Trade and NAFTA and the Indigenous Trade Chapter. Discussions at both meetings were productive and informative. It is hoped that the Ontario government will do what it can to support the policy of international Indigenous trade among Ontario First Nations and the other tribes, in Canada and around the world.
ADM Stewart Wheeler and Wayne Garnons-Williams at the successful conclusion of IITIO’s Indigenous Trade briefing.
IITIO thanks the generous support and encouragement form Deputy Minister, US Trade Engagement Branch, Hugo Cameron; Assistant Deputy Minister, International Relations & Chief of Protocol Stewart Wheeler; Assistant Deputy Minister Reconciliation – Strategic Policy and Planning. The Government of Ontario Trade policy has flagged Indigenous Trade as one of the four key trade priorities:
Ontario Minister of Indigenous Affairs, David Zimmer and IITIO Chair, Wayne Garnons-Williams
“Seizing Global Opportunities” sets out the government’s four key priority areas to increase the province’s international trade performance over the next five years.
Each priority has a corresponding set of goals and activities which are highly interconnected and have a common theme of diversification. The priorities have been developed in the context of our historical trade strengths, international trade shifts, global geopolitical realities, stakeholder input, and international trade programs and services.
.Government of Ontario Trade objectives:
- Diversify trade markets, products and services
- Strengthen international relationships
- Build a trade ecosystem that is more inclusive
How we will get there — examples of key actions:
- Introduce enhanced exporter preparation workshops and increase capacity of one-on-one advisory services for Ontario’s small and medium-sized businesses
- Build stronger international networks to help Ontario companies access opportunities in key markets
- Design and implement activities to promote greater participation of women, new immigrants and Indigenous peoples in international trade and expand business supports to Northern Ontario
- Help Ontario companies reach new markets by leading missions, establishing an Ontario presence at trade shows and arranging opportunities for business-to-business connections in key markets and sectors to increase their global market share
