Trade Diversification and Innovation Partnerships in the Americas

In a context of rapid change and global uncertainty, countries in the Americas and the Caribbean are looking for ways to strengthen innovation, competitiveness, and long-term economic opportunity. In this episode, Marta C. Blackwell, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Council for the Americas, shares a business perspective on international trade and commercial engagement across Latin America and the Caribbean. Her intervention highlights the importance of collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society in building stronger innovation ecosystems. She also reflects on trade diversification as an opportunity for growth, the need to move beyond old approaches, and the value of practical, applied, and useful tools that can help businesses and countries respond to emerging challenges. The episode also explores how regional dialogue can support domestic innovation ecosystems by helping translate shared learning into tools, access, partnerships, investment opportunities, and platforms for financing and access to new markets. This episode was recorded during the 22nd ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and 10th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network, titled “Parliamentary Leadership for Shared Prosperity: Advancing Trade, Innovation, and Security in a Changing World,” held in Ottawa, Canada, from May 19 to 22, 2026. Please find the meeting content available at the following link.