Sub-National Agreement Promotes Economic Cooperation in Manufacturing, Infrastructure, Agriculture
Maryland and Ontario to Share Best Practices in Government Procurement, Disaster Mitigation
ANNAPOLIS, MD—During a virtual ceremony today, Governor Larry Hogan and Ontario Premier Doug Ford finalized a new, historic strategic investment and procurement agreement (SIPA) to increase trade, attract investment, and encourage job creation in Maryland and Ontario. Areas of focus include advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and the agri-food sector.
“Today’s agreement will strengthen an already vibrant relationship between Maryland and Ontario by fostering economic growth and workforce development, enhancing cooperation, attracting investment, and reducing trade barriers,” said Governor Hogan. “I’m confident that this renewed and expanded partnership will be mutually beneficial to both of our regions’ ongoing economic recoveries, and we look forward to continuing to promote this incredible partnership with the people of Ontario for many years to come.”
The leaders were joined by Kelly M. Schulz, Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce, and Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. The virtual signing ceremony was followed by a roundtable discussion hosted by the Canadian American Business Council and the Wilson Center.
“This historic agreement provides us with a tremendous opportunity to leverage our strong trade ties to accelerate the mutual recovery of our two economies,” said Premier Ford. “Whether it’s securing our PPE or auto sector supply chains, this partnership can help us both overcome our current challenges, create jobs, and help businesses on both sides of the border grow and prosper.”
The Ontario-Maryland SIPA promotes economic cooperation and intergovernmental collaboration. The two jurisdictions have agreed to share best practices to help mitigate the impacts of unforeseeable events, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, including COVID-19. The agreement also establishes a Procurement Cooperation Council to improve transparency and engagement on government purchasing for businesses based in Ontario and Maryland.
There are more than 130 Canadian-owned companies operating in Maryland, contributing $590 million in salary-dollars to the economy, and more than 205,500 jobs in Maryland depend on trade and investment with Canada. Over $1.8 billion in goods were traded between Ontario and Maryland last year.
“This Strategic Investment and Procurement Agreement is part of a broader strategy to expand the reach of Ontario’s innovative businesses throughout the United States and the world,” said Minister Fedeli. “By developing this formal partnership with Maryland we will create the conditions necessary to secure much-needed certainty for businesses so they can continue to create jobs well into the future.”
“Ontario has been an outstanding trading partner for Maryland, and this historic agreement will strengthen both economies by boosting foreign direct investment and giving our respective companies even greater opportunities to partner,” said Secretary Schulz. “Maryland and Ontario share many strengths, and it is more important than ever that we work together to address our global challenges.”
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Maryland and Ontario to Share Best Practices in Government Procurement, Disaster Mitigation
ANNAPOLIS, MD—During a virtual ceremony today, Governor Larry Hogan and Ontario Premier Doug Ford finalized a new, historic strategic investment and procurement agreement (SIPA) to increase trade, attract investment, and encourage job creation in Maryland and Ontario. Areas of focus include advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and the agri-food sector.
“Today’s agreement will strengthen an already vibrant relationship between Maryland and Ontario by fostering economic growth and workforce development, enhancing cooperation, attracting investment, and reducing trade barriers,” said Governor Hogan. “I’m confident that this renewed and expanded partnership will be mutually beneficial to both of our regions’ ongoing economic recoveries, and we look forward to continuing to promote this incredible partnership with the people of Ontario for many years to come.”
The leaders were joined by Kelly M. Schulz, Maryland’s Secretary of Commerce, and Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. The virtual signing ceremony was followed by a roundtable discussion hosted by the Canadian American Business Council and the Wilson Center.
“This historic agreement provides us with a tremendous opportunity to leverage our strong trade ties to accelerate the mutual recovery of our two economies,” said Premier Ford. “Whether it’s securing our PPE or auto sector supply chains, this partnership can help us both overcome our current challenges, create jobs, and help businesses on both sides of the border grow and prosper.”
The Ontario-Maryland SIPA promotes economic cooperation and intergovernmental collaboration. The two jurisdictions have agreed to share best practices to help mitigate the impacts of unforeseeable events, such as natural disasters or public health emergencies, including COVID-19. The agreement also establishes a Procurement Cooperation Council to improve transparency and engagement on government purchasing for businesses based in Ontario and Maryland.
There are more than 130 Canadian-owned companies operating in Maryland, contributing $590 million in salary-dollars to the economy, and more than 205,500 jobs in Maryland depend on trade and investment with Canada. Over $1.8 billion in goods were traded between Ontario and Maryland last year.
“This Strategic Investment and Procurement Agreement is part of a broader strategy to expand the reach of Ontario’s innovative businesses throughout the United States and the world,” said Minister Fedeli. “By developing this formal partnership with Maryland we will create the conditions necessary to secure much-needed certainty for businesses so they can continue to create jobs well into the future.”
“Ontario has been an outstanding trading partner for Maryland, and this historic agreement will strengthen both economies by boosting foreign direct investment and giving our respective companies even greater opportunities to partner,” said Secretary Schulz. “Maryland and Ontario share many strengths, and it is more important than ever that we work together to address our global challenges.”
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