September 26, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada 

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met with Dr. Johann Wadephul, Germany’s Minister for Foreign Affairs in Ottawa yesterday to discuss Canada and Germany’s robust and growing economic relationship. The meeting included delegates from the German-Canadian critical minerals company Roch Tech Lithium; Germany’s H2Global Foundation; Volkswagen Group’s subsidiary, global battery cell manufacturer PowerCo SE; and the German business-led Transatlantic Business Initiative, who highlighted their respective investments and areas of cooperation with Canada, including in the energy and critical minerals sectors.

Minister Sidhu highlighted the strong trade relationship between Canada and Germany, with bilateral merchandise trade up by more than 60% since pre-CETA (Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement) levels in 2016. He also highlighted the strong growth in bilateral investment during this period, particularly in the energy and critical minerals sectors, which provide a strong foundation for further deepening Canada-Germany economic ties.

He noted the significance of the Canada-Germany Joint Strategic Partnership, which, once finalized, will further support economic growth and cooperation in key sectors, including security and defence; supply chains and critical minerals; artificial intelligence; investment; and energy.

Recognizing Germany’s role as the European Union’s largest economy, Minister Sidhu underscored the country’s importance as a strategic trade and investment partner for Canada. Both ministers emphasized the importance of translating the upcoming Canada-Germany Strategic Partnership into tangible results by strengthening business-to-business ties in strategic sectors, fostering new opportunities, creating jobs and attracting investment, while advancing shared prosperity and strategic autonomy.