New Brunswick Premier to Accompany Prime Minister on High-Profile Trade Mission to India
In a significant move to bolster international economic partnerships, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt is set to join Prime Minister Mark Carney on an upcoming trade mission to India. This collaborative effort underscores the federal and provincial governments' shared commitment to expanding Canada's global trade footprint and creating new opportunities for New Brunswick businesses.
Strengthening Bilateral Economic Ties
The trade mission represents a strategic initiative to deepen the economic relationship between Canada and India, one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. Premier Holt's participation highlights New Brunswick's proactive role in seeking international investment and export markets for its key industries, which include advanced manufacturing, information technology, and natural resources.
This mission follows a meeting between Premier Holt and Prime Minister Carney in Fredericton in November 2025, where they discussed collaborative approaches to economic development. The upcoming trip is expected to build on those discussions, with a focus on sectors where New Brunswick has competitive advantages and growth potential.
Objectives and Expected Outcomes
The delegation aims to achieve several critical objectives during the visit to India:
- Facilitate business-to-business connections between New Brunswick companies and Indian counterparts.
- Promote investment opportunities in New Brunswick's innovation ecosystem and infrastructure projects.
- Explore partnerships in education and research, particularly in fields like biotechnology and clean technology.
- Advocate for reduced trade barriers and tariffs that affect New Brunswick exports.
India represents a market of immense potential for Canadian goods and services, with a growing middle class and increasing demand for high-quality products. New Brunswick's participation in this mission signals the province's ambition to capture a larger share of this dynamic market.
Context and Significance
This trade mission occurs amid broader discussions about Canada's trade diversification strategy and the importance of strengthening ties with Indo-Pacific nations. For New Brunswick, which has historically relied heavily on trade with the United States, expanding into markets like India is crucial for long-term economic resilience and growth.
The collaboration between Premier Holt and Prime Minister Carney demonstrates a unified approach to international trade, with provincial leaders playing active roles in federal trade initiatives. This model of cooperation is increasingly important as provinces seek to leverage their unique strengths within Canada's broader economic framework.
As preparations for the trade mission continue, business leaders in New Brunswick are expressing optimism about the potential outcomes. The mission is expected to yield tangible results in the form of new partnerships, investment commitments, and expanded market access for New Brunswick products and services.
