Vancouver: With a Canadian senior-level business delegation from January 7 to 14, the Minister of International Trade  Maninder Sidhu will visit Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

“This visit to the Gulf will accelerate new economic opportunities for Canada, support our companies in securing high-value contracts, and open doors in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets. I look forward to strengthening commercial ties with Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to drive trade and investment that delivers real benefits for Canadian workers and businesses.” said Minister Sidhu.

During the visit, Sidhu will meet with government officials and business leaders to strengthen Canada’s economic partnerships in the Gulf region. The minister will focus on opening new markets for Canadian businesses, deepening commercial ties and advancing trade diversification. He will also participate in industry events and ongoing trade and investment agreement discussions, as well as tour locations that highlight successful projects and partnerships.

Qatar is the third-largest economy in the Gulf region, offering significant business opportunities for Canadian companies. In 2024, Canada-Qatar merchandise trade was valued at $325.4 million, comprising $159.2 million in exports from Canada and $166.2 million in imports. In November 2025, Canada removed the visa requirement for Qatari citizens and introduced electronic travel authorization eligibility for air travel to facilitate business and leisure travel. In 2024, Saudi Arabia was Canada’s largest merchandise trading partner in the Middle East. In 2024, Canada-Saudi Arabia merchandise trade was valued at $4.1 billion, comprising $2 billion in exports from Canada and $2.1 billion in imports.

In November 2025, Canada and Saudi Arabia announced the launch of negotiations toward a foreign investment promotion and protection agreement (FIPA) between the two countries. The UAE is Canada’s top export market in the Middle East and a global investment hub. In 2024, Canada-UAE merchandise trade was valued at $3.4 billion, comprising $2.6 billion in exports from Canada and $801.8 million in imports. In November 2025, Canada and the UAE signed a FIPA and announced their intention to launch negotiations toward a comprehensive economic partnership agreement.

Trade missions play a strategic role in helping Canada pursue its goal of doubling non-U.S. exports over the next ten years. They help secure new agreements, deepen economic ties, strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness and position the country as a leading destination for innovation and investment.

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