3rd CUSMA SME Dialogue hosted by Global Affairs Canada in Montreal in May.  The event brought together SMEs and stakeholders from Canada, the US, and Mexico to delve into regional trade dynamics under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Themes like SMEs in value chains, inclusive trade, customs procedures, and more sparked dynamic discussions, fostering a full exchange of ideas among participants. Some key take-aways:
- Nearshoring: This represents a competitive advantage for SMEs.
- Shift Towards Services Exports: Notably, the trend towards service exports is gaining momentum, reshaping global trade landscapes.
- Empowering Underrepresented Group: There's a critical need to reimagine support structures for underrepresented groups, including women, youth, Indigenous communities, and minorities, to facilitate their participation in global trade.
- Awareness Gap on Available Resources: Many SMEs remain unaware of the abundance of resources at their disposal, such as the valuable support provided by organizations like our Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT)), which I represented at the Dialogue.
- Demand for Simplified Access to Resources: SMEs consistently express a desire for a centralized platform to access trade resources seamlessly, recognizing the complexities of navigating the market.

OWIT-Toronto’s VP of International Trade Susan Baka participated in a panel on Inclusive Trade, moderated by Claire Ehmann of the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Kudos to Export Development Canada | Exportation et développement Canada for sponsoring the post-Dialogue reception hosted by OWIT-Ottawa and OWIT-Toronto and to Global Affairs Canada for its support.  A terrific collaborative effort! “OWIT added a great dynamic to the CUSMA Dialogue and it certainly created a better wrap-up to the day to have a reception,” says Joanne Tognarelli  EDC’s VP of Global Business Development, who welcomed reception guests on behalf of EDC.  “It provided an opportunity for some final connections to be made.”