The event will be held in Seattle on May 16 to 18 to encourage investment in the Canadian technology sector, and draw global talent to Canada, according to The Seattle Times.
The summit, titled “The CEO Agenda: Navigating Change,” will bring together more than 150 CEO’s where Trudeau plans to promote the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, an agreement to promote investment between British Columbia and Washington State and help grow the high-tech, life sciences, clean technology, and data analytics industries across borders, strengthening global economic competitiveness and job creation. The agreement will provide joint action in research, workforce development and transportation, and investment.
Trudeau will also meet with Washington Governor Jay Inslee. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral trade.
The Greater Seattle region and Canada have a rich history of cooperation and a commitment to further innovation and mutual prosperity. Canada was the third largest customer of Washington state merchandise exports, purchasing over $6.9 billion in goods in 2016 according to the International Trade Administration. Canada also represents the second largest goods trading partner for the U.S. with $544.0 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2016. According to the Department of Commerce, U.S. exports of goods and services to Canada supported an estimated 1.6 million jobs in 2015.