Premier Wab Kinew announced today that the Manitoba government will establish a trade office in Washington, D.C. The announcement was made during Kinew’s 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 new trade office aims to develop relationships with key decision-makers and industries in the United States, particularly in states where Manitoba has strong trade connections such as Illinois, Minnesota, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. The office will serve as a permanent presence in Washington, integral to Manitoba’s economic development strategy, and will maintain a direct line to the U.S. government.
The establishment of the trade office was recommended by the Premier’s Business and Jobs Council, created in December 2023. This council, comprising business and labor leaders, advises on the provincial economy. A sub-committee on U.S. trade, part of the council, accompanied the premier and other ministers on a trade mission to Washington earlier this year.
This strategic initiative underscores Manitoba’s commitment to fostering robust economic partnerships and ensuring the province’s economic growth and stability in the years to come.
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