Canada is using Industry Minister Mélanie Joly’s Sweden visit to promote Canadian industry and pitch Canada as an investment destination, while pursuing stronger commercial ties with Stockholm, the government said Nov. 1.
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada said Joly’s agenda includes meetings with senior executives to discuss trade and industrial cooperation. The sessions are also intended to present Canada as a trusted partner for global business and encourage investment.
Global Affairs Canada says the European Union ranks as Canada’s second-largest trading partner for goods and services and its second-largest source of foreign direct investment. Canada-EU trade in those categories reached $178.3 billion in 2025, Global Affairs Canada said.
Sweden ratified CETA, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and the European Union, in May 2018. Ottawa says the pact gives firms clearer ground rules and safeguards as they compete across the two markets.
The department also situated the visit in Ottawa’s work with the EU. It said the partners have spent the past 18 months stepping up efforts to build a new alliance, which the government says can bolster sovereignty and investment and open further opportunities across the Atlantic.
The government describes Canada’s commercial relationship with Sweden as strong, with cooperation also extending to foreign policy, security, energy and climate action, and Indigenous collaboration. It said transatlantic ties have deepened since Sweden joined NATO in 2024, including through joint operations, defense investment and military readiness.
Joly said stronger industrial ties would showcase Canadian expertise and support the country’s economic security and competitiveness. Network Conference 2026 is bringing together a global business audience, and Joly is scheduled to deliver remarks and join a fireside discussion about cooperation and partnerships, the department said.
