Global ambassadors gather in Halifax for economic summit

Nearly 50 ambassadors and diplomats are attending an economic forum in Halifax.

Nearly 50 ambassadors and diplomats from around the globe are in Halifax as part of a three-day economic forum, which organizers say is one of the largest gatherings of its kind ever hosted in Canada

The foreign officials arrived at the Nova Scotia legislature by bus Wednesday afternoon and were welcomed inside by the house speaker Danielle Barkhouse and Deputy Premier Barbara Adams.

Global Affairs Canada wouldn’t provide a list of the 46 ambassadors but did say the representatives come from countries including Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.

The focus of the meetings is on expanding trade and economic opportunities with a focus on what Atlantic Canada can offer the world.

“We are all ambassadors based in Ottawa, but Canada is not just Ottawa,” said Geneviève Tuts, the European Union ambassador to Canada. “So, we are quite keen whenever we have the opportunity to travel and to meet the provinces, to understand provinces, and to see all the possible opportunities to co-operate more.”

With global markets rattled by war, supply chain disruptions, and strained trade relationships, Canada is pitching itself as a stable, strategic partner.

“Nova Scotia has been working hard to let the world know that we’re open for business,” said Nova Scotia Deputy Premier Barbara Adams. “We’re thrilled so many countries have expressed an interest in learning more about what we have to offer by coming to Nova Scotia to see for themselves, and we look forward to the opportunity to work together.”

There is a common interest among many countries, especially around the development and importing and exporting of green energy, critical minerals, and technology like AI.

“Canada is a big country and it’s diverse,” said Prosper Higiro, the high commissioner for the Republic of Rwanda. “You discover there are so many opportunities when it comes to mineral resources, to higher education, for example, but also technology.”

The ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Sabah Nizar Rashid Al Rafie, said there’s great interest in deepening trade relations with Canada and Nova Scotia.

“We’re interested to see the possibilities for educational co-operation, research co-operation,” said Al Rafie. “Canada has worked and has really developed its R and D (research and development) capabilities, and would like to explore and to see where we can see potential areas of cooperation.”

Notably absent from the economic forum is the United States ambassador to Canada, Pete Hoekstra. A provincial spokesperson said Global Affairs Canada sends invitations to all ambassadors of Canada.

The U.S. remains Canada’s largest and most important trading partner, but tariffs and other threats have forced Canada look outside of North America and build relationships elsewhere.

The ambassador to the European Union says the relationship with Canada has become closer than ever, as global economic pressures have helped the two sides find opportunities to deepen their ties.

“The E.U. is looking for reliable partners, predictable partners,” said Tuts. “And Canada is of course, one of those. So, we want to deepen our cooperation, deepen our ties between the European Union and Canada and its provinces as well.”

Over the next two days, the group of ambassadors will meet with industry and Mi’kmaw leaders and tour key sites, showcasing the best Nova Scotia has to offer.

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