Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Ontario Premier Doug Ford signed a new economic agreement aimed at building on the longstanding economic relationship. The new partnership aims to increase trade, attract investment, and encourage job creation in both jurisdictions.
Key Points:
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- Michigan and Ontario have the largest trade relationship between any Canadian province and U.S. state.
- Last year, total trade between the two jurisdictions was valued at $80.6 billion (CDN), with imports from Michigan totaling $31.3 billion (CDN).
- The new strategic investment and procurement agreement supports joint initiatives and the creation of a new program for businesses in priority areas.
- Priority areas include electric vehicles and related supply chains, advanced technology, cybersecurity, agriculture and rural development, alternative clean fuels, and travel and tourism.
- Under the agreement, a Procurement Cooperation Council will be created to support open dialogue on government procurement, improving transparency and engagement on purchasing for businesses from both jurisdictions.
- Both jurisdictions will work to identify opportunities for strategic partnership and joint trade promotion, improve access to information and facilitate more efficient border crossings.
To read the full Memorandum of Understanding, please click here.