Canada’s export financing agency has lifted its suspension on Saudi Arabia-related activity, citing an improving environment for the nation’s businesses since a diplomatic blowout with the kingdom last summer.
Export Development Canada its position on Saudi Arabia on Tuesday from “off cover” to “open on restricted basis,” ending a 10-month halt on business. The EDC move to suspend business in the country came after the Saudi government put its own freeze on any new deals for Canadian firms.
The move highlights an easing of tensions between the two countries since a diplomatic feud erupted last summer after a tweet by Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland criticized the arrest of a Saudi women’s rights activist. In response, Saudi Arabia lambasted Canada for interfering in its domestic affairs, expelled the Canadian ambassador to Riyadh and ordered a freeze on new investment.
Before the incident, EDC had rated Saudi Arabia as open for business with a low risk of political interference. It’s current “restricted” status means that “we recognize there are risks, but are open to assessing transactions on a case-by-case basis to verify whether each meets our requirements for sustainable and responsible business,” Minsky said.
At the time of Freeland’s tweet, EDC had exposure of about C$2 billion ($1.5 billion) to Saudi Arabia, and about 250 customers operating in the kingdom.