Addis Ababa, 6 August 2015 (WIC) – Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, and Jean J. Gauthier, President and CEO of the Canadian Council on Africa (CCAfrica) signed on July 30, 2015 a Memorandum of Understanding between Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada and CCAfrica to help strengthen the contribution of the Canadian private sector to sustainable economic growth in Africa in Montreal, MoFA reported.
Christian Paradis and Gauthier held discussions on Canada’s development efforts and Canada’s engagement in Africa.
A statement issued by the CCAfrica quoting Mr. Gauthier said that the signing of the MoU marks as a key signature “in the development of the Canadian private sector contributing to the economic and commercial growth in Africa, something the two organizations support.”
The signing of the MoU marked the commencement of “an enhanced collaboration that could include financial, technical and advisory support on initiatives of common interest in trade, investments, and development cooperation in Africa,” continued the statement, adding that the MoU “is for an initial period of three years and may be renewed.”
The statement noted that the MOU envisages various initiatives including CCAfrica’s hosting of “Canada-Africa Trade and Development Business Summits” as well as strategic initiatives promoting Canada’s objectives in Africa.
Established as a non-profit organization, the CCAfrica is committed to promoting trade and economic development between Canada and Africa.