MBiz

3 WINTER 2024 To advertise, call 204-697-7390 WINTER 2024, VOL. 25 MANITOBA CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE jointhechamber.ca President & CEO Chuck Davidson Director of Marketing & Communications Clara Buelow Marketing & Communications Specialist Sherry Kaniuga Director of Business Development & Member Relations Brent Hutton THE FREE PRESS winnipegfreepress.com President and CEO Mike Power VP, Revenue and Business Development Michele Prysazniuk Director, FP Features Charlene Adam charlene.adam@freepress.mb.ca Editor Jennifer McFee Writers Wendy King Kristin Marand Jennifer McFee Jim Timlick Lindsey Ward Photography Darcy Finley Numerous organizations supplied Design Shakar Hagiev Tammy Mitchell MBiz Magazine is published on Treaty 1 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation. To advertise, call 204-697-7390 CHUCK DAVIDSON President and CEO Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Cover: Port of Churchill. Photo courtesy of Arctic Gateway Group Photographer: Karen Patterson M anitoba has what the rest of the world needs. Critical minerals, clean energy, agricul- ture, manufacturing — you name it, we have it here. With a strategic central location and a diverse range of Manitoba-made products, local businesses are expanding their global trade footprint. Manitoba exported $21.5 billion worth of products in 2022, includ- ing pharmaceuticals, wheat, pork, canola, buses and agricultural ma- chinery. While nearly 75 per cent of exports go to the U.S., opportunities exist to diversify: with trade agree- ments covering over 50 countries, Manitoba businesses can leverage these to expand their reach. The provincial government has acknowledged Manitoba's absence of a comprehensive trade strategy and pledged to develop one with increased investment. Creating lasting trade partnerships both within Canada and abroad is one of the commitments of the Premier's Business and Jobs Council, which advises the province on developing a strong economy that Manitobans can rely on for generations to come. I'm grateful to have been asked to be part of this council, helping represent the voice of business in our province. The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce is dedicated to advocat- ing for a clear and robust provincial trade strategy to build international trade opportunities for Manitoba businesses, reduce barriers and take full advantage of our prov- ince's export potential. We've urged the province to prioritize reducing regulatory burdens and interpro- vincial trade barriers, which raise prices and reduce productivity. We're asking for a commitment to a strategic, sustained and disci- plined approach to investment in Manitoba's core infrastructure. And the provincial government must also commit to economic recon- ciliation through collaboration and partnerships with Indigenous com- munities and industry on economic development. This issue of MBiz Magazine will touch on these priorities as we explore Manitoba's trade landscape, highlighting opportunities, supply chain insights, best practices and more. We're showcasing some of our partners that are doing exciting things and finding unique solutions, while boosting the province's profile across Canada and the world and helping build the global reputation we know Manitoba deserves. ■ MAKING TRADE A PROVINCIAL PRIORITY

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