Keynote SpeakerThe Honourable Mary Ng P.C.

Biography

Popular Talks by The Honourable Mary Ng P.C.

• Global Trade in a Fragmented World

  In today’s fractured global landscape—marked by rising protectionism, tariffs, and shifting geopolitical alliances—nations and companies must rethink how they engage in global commerce. Drawing on her experience negotiating trade agreements and leading Canada’s diversification strategy, Mary Ng shares how nations and companies can forge new partnerships, strengthen supply... Read more

  In today’s fractured global landscape—marked by rising protectionism, tariffs, and shifting geopolitical alliances—nations and companies must rethink how they engage in global commerce. Drawing on her experience negotiating trade agreements and leading Canada’s diversification strategy, Mary Ng shares how nations and companies can forge new partnerships, strengthen supply chains, and succeed in an increasingly fragmented world.

  Ideal for: Trade & investment forums, business chambers, multilateral institutions (e.g., WTO, APEC, ASEAN).

• From Trade Agreements to Deals: Scaling Businesses Globally

  Canada has secured world-class trade agreements—from NAFTA (now CUSMA in Canada, USMCA in the U.S.) across North America, to CETA with the European Union, CPTPP with Pacific partners, and bilateral deals with South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Indonesia—giving Canadian businesses access to over 65% of the global... Read more

  Canada has secured world-class trade agreements—from NAFTA (now CUSMA in Canada, USMCA in the U.S.) across North America, to CETA with the European Union, CPTPP with Pacific partners, and bilateral deals with South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Indonesia—giving Canadian businesses access to over 65% of the global economy in 51 countries.
  But access alone isn’t enough. Mary Ng led efforts to move Canada from trade agreements to deals, helping businesses scale through trade missions, global advisory services, and capital supports—including Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)—with many of these tools designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises. Mary shares how Canada built this trade architecture—and how businesses can unlock it to grow globally.
  

  Ideal for: Entrepreneurship events, global business accelerators, trade agency forums.

• Indo-Pacific: The Next Global Growth Engine

  Canada is a trading nation—1 in 6 jobs depends on trade, and our trade agreements provide access to over 65% of the global economy. Yet nearly 75% of our trade is still with the United States. Diversification beyond the U.S. market isn’t optional—it’s both strategic and necessary. The Indo-Pacific... Read more

  Canada is a trading nation—1 in 6 jobs depends on trade, and our trade agreements provide access to over 65% of the global economy. Yet nearly 75% of our trade is still with the United States. Diversification beyond the U.S. market isn’t optional—it’s both strategic and necessary. The Indo-Pacific is the fastest-growing region in the world, and by 2030, it will be home to two-thirds of the global middle class. Through Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Mary Ng led a bold shift—deepening ties with economies across the region through trade agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). From G7 economies like Japan, to dynamic partners like Australia, Singapore, and New Zealand, and emerging markets like Vietnam and Malaysia—Canadian trade is growing. The ASEAN region represents the next frontier, with Indonesia—the world’s fourth most populous country—alongside rapidly advancing economies like the Philippines and Thailand. Mary has led business delegations bringing hundreds of Canadian companies into these markets, unlocking new growth across sectors such as:

  – Aerospace
  – Agri-foods and agri-tech
  – Arts and cultural industries
  – Clean energy and cleantech
  – Defence and advanced manufacturing
  – Digital industries including AI and cybersecurity
  – Infrastructure
  – Health and life sciences
  – Transportation and professional services

  These companies are finding new customers, partners, and investment opportunities—and redefining Canada’s global footprint in the process. Ideal for: Indo-Pacific business summits, diplomatic forums, corporate regional strategy sessions.

• Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Economic Growth

  Women’s economic leadership is smart economic policy, with the potential to add $12 trillion to the global economy. Drawing from her experience launching and leading Canada’s first-ever Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy, Mary Ng shares how tackling barriers like access to capital and building the right business ecosystems can generate... Read more

  Women’s economic leadership is smart economic policy, with the potential to add $12 trillion to the global economy. Drawing from her experience launching and leading Canada’s first-ever Women’s Entrepreneurship Strategy, Mary Ng shares how tackling barriers like access to capital and building the right business ecosystems can generate billions in economic returns to Canada’s GDP. She also speaks to the importance of intentional, inclusive economic growth—with policies and programs designed to support and scale small and medium-sized enterprises. From Canada’s domestic strategy to international trade missions focused on women-led businesses, Mary highlights the global partnerships needed to ensure women entrepreneurs can succeed and grow across borders.
  

  Ideal for: DEI-focused summits, women-in-business events, public-private sector roundtables.

• Geopolitics, Diplomacy, and the Future of Multilateralism

  The world is shifting—from rising geopolitical tensions to economic fragmentation and a growing distrust in global institutions. In this uncertain landscape, the rules-based system that supported global stability and prosperity is under pressure—and business is feeling the consequences. Mary Ng brings firsthand insight from the front lines of... Read more

  The world is shifting—from rising geopolitical tensions to economic fragmentation and a growing distrust in global institutions. In this uncertain landscape, the rules-based system that supported global stability and prosperity is under pressure—and business is feeling the consequences. Mary Ng brings firsthand insight from the front lines of diplomacy. As Canada’s Minister of International Trade, she represented the country at the G7, G20, WTO, APEC, and ASEAN—consistently positioning Canada as a bridge-builder and reliable partner in an era of fragmentation. She shares how trade, diplomacy, and economic security are now deeply intertwined, and what governments and companies must do to navigate this complexity. From defending multilateralism to building trusted partnerships, Mary offers a grounded, pragmatic view of what’s next—and how leaders can shape a more stable and connected future.
  

  Ideal for: Policy institutes, global CEO summits, academic forums, geopolitical risk conferences.