Trip focused on state's close trading, investment and
national security relationship
OMAHA,
NE, May 6, 2024 /CNW/ - Innovation, Science
and Economic Development Canada
The Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry,
concluded a two-day visit to the state of Nebraska on Sunday as part of the Team Canada
engagement strategy with the U.S.
Minister Champagne met with the state's Governor, Jim Pillen, to discuss how Nebraska and Canada can further develop their close trade
and investment relationship. Together, Minister Champagne and
Governor Pillen attended an annual international investors
reception with business leaders, investors and public officials.
The Minister also met with members of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce to highlight the
strength of the Canada -
Nebraska ties and to reinforce
Canada's value proposition as a
strategic partner.
During his visit, Minister also met with Congressman
Don Bacon with whom he toured
Omaha's Offutt Air Force Base,
home of the United States Strategic Command. In Omaha, Minister Champagne also met with
Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chairman, Greg
Abel, as well as with Ed
Rihn, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy Canada.
While in Nebraska, the Minister
took the opportunity to meet with executives at a number of
businesses, including Kiewet, one of North America's leading construction and
engineering companies. Some of Kiewit's past Canadian projects
include the Sea-to-Sky Highway in British Colombia, and Montreal's Autoroute 25. Minister Champagne
also visited Nutrien Ag Solutions' production facility. A Canadian
agriculture powerhouse, Nutrien produces phosphate for fertilizers,
animal feed, and industrial uses.
Finally, Minister Champagne participated in a fireside chat with
students and faculty at the University of
Nebraska's Yeutter Institute of International Trade and
Finance. He spoke about the importance of resilient supply chains,
the digital economy, and Canada's
growing reputation a green supplier of choice for key
industries.
The Team Canada engagement strategy is aimed at promoting and
protecting Canada's interests in
the U.S. while ensuring key stakeholders on both sides of the
border recognize and understand the deep and strategic nature of
our two countries' relationship.
Quote
"Canada is Nebraska's largest export market. Together, we
trade more that $3 billion worth of
goods every year. With widely integrated supply chains and strong
cross-border business connections, Canada and Nebraska are natural partners. We will
continue to work together to strengthen and secure our supply
chains in key strategic sectors which support millions of good jobs
on both sides of the border, driving North American innovation and
competitiveness."
– The Honourable François-Philippe
Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Quick facts
- Canada is the top export
destination for 35 U.S. states, including Nebraska. Canada buys more goods from the U.S. than
China, France and Japan combined.
- Every day, $3.6 billion worth of
goods and services crosses the Canada–U.S. border: $1.3 trillion in bilateral trade a year.
- Canada is the top supplier of
energy to the U.S. and the fourth-largest source of foreign
direct investment in the U.S.
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada