Canada, Ecuador sign free trade agreement, Ottawa says deal will expand opportunities for exporters

The Government of Canada has officially signed a free trade agreement with Ecuador, marking a new step in expanding Canada's trade relationships in Latin America.

According to the Government of Canada, International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu and Ecuador's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Luis Alberto Jaramillo, signed the agreement during a ceremony in Ottawa on Friday. The federal government said the agreement is expected to create new opportunities for Canadian businesses, workers and exporters.

Federal officials said the agreement will improve market access across several sectors, including agriculture, agri-food, clean technology, infrastructure, natural resources, manufacturing, services and digital trade. The agreement must still complete the required domestic implementation process before it takes effect.

Separately, Sidhu announced that he will lead a high-level Canadian trade mission to India from Oct. 12 to 17. According to the minister, the delegation will meet with government representatives and business leaders in Mumbai and Bengaluru to strengthen commercial ties and explore new investment and trade opportunities.