The Manitoba government will stand up a trade office in Washington, D.C. in the new year, Premier Wab Kinew announced during his recent State of the Province address.
“Manitoba has what America needs and a trade office in the heart of the capital will strengthen trade ties and protect Manitoba jobs as we work with the incoming Trump administration,” said Kinew. “It’s one piece of our economic development strategy and it’s part of how we speak to the incoming Trump administration in their language. We’re focused on boosting productivity, attracting investment and job creation.”
The premier noted the office will develop relationships with decision makers and industries in the United States where Manitoba has strong trade connections in states such as Illinois, Minnesota, Georgia, Tennessee and Texas.
The trade office will be a permanent presence in Washington, part of every aspect of the Manitoba government’s economic development strategy and have a direct line to government, the premier noted.
A trade office was recommended by the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council, which was created in December 2023. The council brings together business and labour leaders to advise on the provincial economy. A sub-committee of the council on U.S. trade traveled with the premier and other ministers during a trade mission to Washington earlier this year.
