Manitoba Trade and Export Growth Plan

Action Plan

The Manitoba government is working in close partnership with World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTCW) to ensure Manitoba businesses have the necessary tools to pursue market diversification and new export opportunities. WTCW is developing a Manitoba Export Navigator Portal that will offer companies easy access to information, resources and services to help them succeed, including readiness assessments, market intelligence and regulatory guidance.

Together with the Manitoba Export Navigator Portal, Manitoba's Trade and Export Growth Plan will help stimulate economic growth, make Manitoba more resilient to market fluctuations and support sustainable prosperity for Manitoba's industries and communities.

To advance trade and market diversification efforts, Manitoba needs a collaborative approach and strong partnerships with domestic and international stakeholders. Indigenous partnerships, including the Manitoba Crown-Indigenous Corporation, and Indigenous-led infrastructure projects, such as the Port of Churchill, are central to achieving these objectives. These initiatives also advance economic reconciliation by supporting Indigenous ownership, participation and leadership in key economic development opportunities.

This plan will continue to evolve as implementation progresses, alongside the creation of a provincial Economic Development Agency and the work of the Premier's Business and Jobs Council's Trade Diversification Subcommittee.

1. Diversify Markets to Reduce Vulnerability

Objective: Expand market access and opportunities

Actions: Advance targeted market diversification by strengthening market analysis, intelligence sharing and in-market representation starting with India, Mexico and Europe, trade missions, and coordinated event support to help Manitoba companies identify opportunities, build relationships and convert leads into export outcomes.

Objective: Strengthen export capacity and competitiveness of Manitoba companies

Actions: Build exporter capacity by improving access to practical tools, funding supports, market intelligence, regulatory guidance and business-to-business connections through the Manitoba Export Navigator Portal, the Export Support Program, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and in-market resources.

2. Promote Inclusive Trade and Participation

Objective: Advance collaborative and inclusive trade

Actions: Broaden participation in trade by identifying and addressing barriers, facilitating participation of Indigenous leadership and businesses at trade events and as part of Manitoba delegations, and connecting with diverse business groups.

3. Enhance Supply Chain Efficiency

Objective: Align Manitoba's trade ecosystem

Actions: Coordinate Manitoba's trade ecosystem by aligning with provincial, Indigenous and federal initiatives and priorities to maximize benefits for Manitoba companies.
Coordinate with provincial, Indigenous and federal trade-promotion partners to improve service delivery, reduce duplication and share intelligence.
Coordinate Manitoba's trade ecosystem so businesses receive consistent, timely and market-relevant support across programs and partners.

Objective: Improve interprovincial and domestic trade

Actions: Collaborate with partners on interprovincial and domestic trade missions and strengthen trade relationships with Canadian jurisdictions.

4. Drive Innovation and Competitiveness

Objective: Accelerate digital adoption, market intelligence and trade innovation

Actions: Accelerate trade innovation by assessing emerging technologies, integrating digital tools and exporter training into the Manitoba Export Navigator Portal, and connecting firms to supports that improve digital adoption, market access, productivity and competitiveness.

Objective: Strengthen innovation partnerships and commercialization pathways

Actions: Strengthen commercialization pathways by connecting exporters with post-secondary institutions, sector organizations and innovation partners, supporting market validation and scale-up opportunities, Indigenous supplier development, and showcasing Manitoba innovation success stories.

5. Strengthen Economic Sovereignty and Security

Objective: Leverage the strategic advantage of the Port of Churchill

Actions: Promote the Port of Churchill as a strategic, Indigenous-led trade-enabling asset by supporting coordinated development, identifying sector opportunities and strengthening awareness of its role in northern access and national economic security.

Objective: Advance strategic trade resilience in critical sectors

Actions: Identify Manitoba strengths in critical sectors where trade diversification and domestic capability can improve resilience and security, and strengthen Manitoba's role in secure supply chains.
Highlight Indigenous partnership, ownership and procurement as a strategic Manitoba advantage that advances economic reconciliation, strengthens critical sectors, and enhances supply chain security and resilience.

Measuring Success

Progress will be tracked using key performance indicators such as increased export values, number of new market entries, increased Indigenous participation and the growth of value-added sectors. Regular reporting and stakeholder consultations will ensure accountability and continuous improvement.

This action plan positions Manitoba for greater economic resilience and competitiveness, building prosperity for communities across the province while strengthening Manitoba's position in the global marketplace.

Implementation and Feedback

To ensure effective execution, the plan will be rolled out in phases with clear milestones and regular progress reviews. Stakeholders, including policymakers, business leaders and sector representatives, are invited to provide feedback and participate in ongoing engagement. This collaborative approach will help refine the plan and ensure it meets Manitoba's economic objectives.

Please share your feedback by contacting investmentandtrade@gov.mb.ca.