German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, accompanied by his deputy, German Economics Minister Robert Habeck, begins today, Sunday (August 21, 2022), a three-day visit to Canada. This step revives hopes among German economic circles to strengthen bilateral trade relations on the one hand, and to alleviate the gas crisis facing Germany as a direct result of Putin's war on Ukraine.

Peter Adrian, head of the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce, emphasized the importance of this visit by Scholz and Habeck, explaining that "in order to complete the reorganization of our international economy, new and more intensive partnerships are needed at the same time... In this regard, the visit of the German Chancellor and the Minister of Economy to Canada comes at the right time."

Adrian expressed his hope especially for a new boost in trade relations through the expected ratification in the fall of the free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada, "CETA," saying: "This agreement can send an effective signal for open markets and rule-based trade in generally difficult times in trade policy."

Canadian Gas

The gas file is expected to top the agenda of the talks, as German officials acknowledge that it will be at best a medium-term possibility as an alternative to Russian gas.

Scholz has been seeking for some time to sign an agreement to export natural gas from Canada, one of the largest gas-producing countries in the world. Talks are also underway between Canada and Germany regarding the construction of liquefied natural gas terminals on the Canadian Atlantic coast.

It seems that German efforts have begun to receive Ukrainian support despite the criticisms Kyiv directs at Berlin, considering that Germany's need for gas contributed years ago, according to Kyiv officials, to Berlin overlooking Putin's aggressive policies towards Kyiv. The link between Canadian gas and Germany on one side and Ukraine on the other is embodied by the company Naftogaz, supported by Kyiv.

A few days ago, this company signed a memorandum of understanding, which received little media coverage, with the Canadian energy development company (Symbio Infrastructure) to purchase liquefied natural gas from Canada, while Naftogaz aspires to become a key player in supplying Europe with Canadian liquefied natural gas.