Mary Ng

The Honourable Mary Ng, PC, is a globally respected voice on international trade, inclusive economic growth, and business leadership. From 2018 to 2025, she served as Canada’s minister of international trade, export promotion, small business, and economic development, becoming the country’s longest-serving trade minister.

Ng oversaw negotiations on major trade agreements, including the Canada–UK Trade Continuity Agreement (post-Brexit), the Canada–Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, a modernized Canada–Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and the Canada–Ecuador FTA. She led Canada’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), oversaw ASEAN–Canada FTA negotiations, and guided Canada’s role in the UK’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), where she chaired the CPTPP Commission in 2024.

A principal architect of Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, Ng strengthened trade and investment ties across the Asia-Pacific. She also led Canada’s trade relationships with the United States and Mexico under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, with the European Union through the Canada–European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, and worked to deepen ties across Africa, the Caribbean Community, and South America, making her a truly global leader.

At home, Ng focused on translating trade agreements into opportunities for Canadian businesses, leading high-level trade missions and supporting entrepreneurs expanding internationally. As minister for small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, she delivered emergency supports that helped businesses survive and rebuild. Her leadership laid the foundation for a more inclusive, digital, and globally competitive business ecosystem, and she championed the first-ever Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy.

Ng represented Canada at leading multilateral forums, including the G7, G20, World Trade Organization, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, consistently advancing Canada as a reliable, bridge-building, rules-based trading partner. She retired from politics in 2025 and now serves as a strategic advisor to Canadian and international organizations, speaking globally on trade, economic leadership, geopolitical risk, and inclusive growth.