Canada, ASEAN seek to diversify trade in Indo-Pacific
The Canada – ASEAN Initiatives Association at the York Centre for Asian Research held a seminar entitled “Canada and ASEAN: Trade Diversification in the Indo-Pacific” in Ontario, Canada on November 26.
Former Canadian Ambassador to the WTO and Japan Jonathan Fried (L) at the event (Photo: VNA)
Ottawa (VNA) – The Canada – ASEAN InitiativesAssociation atthe York Centre for Asian Research held a seminar entitled “Canadaand ASEAN: Trade Div꧟ersification in the Indo-Pacific” in Ontario, Canada onNovember 26.
Theevent, held both online and offline, focused on the need for Canada and Ontarioin particular to diversify trade with Southeast Asian nations where the middle-classpopulation keeps growing. Participants also shared their interest in ensuringfree trade flows in the Indo-Pacific.
SeniorManager of the Export Development Canada Kevin Sullivan presented trade andinvestment opportunities that Canadian firms could explore in Southeast Asia.
With a673 million population and a gross domestic product of over 3.1 trillion USD,Southeast Asia plays a crucial role in the global economic growth, he said,adding that infrastructure in Southeast Asia – with an annual demand of nearly200-300 billion USD, are openiꦗng up great opportunities for Canadian firms.Other fields such as information and communications technology, outer space,oil and gas, and processed food are also promising.
According to him, ASEAN –the third populous market behind China and India – is now the sixth largesttrade partner of Canada. Trade in goods between ASEAN and Canada hit 26.7billion CAD (20.8 billion USD) last year while their value of commerce and servicesreached 5.8 billion CAD. These figures are forecast to keep increasing as Canada alreadyestablished standing representative agencies in 10 ASEAN member states. Former CanadianAmbassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and Japan Jonathan Fried, who is heading a special Secretariat atthe Global Affairs Canada on the design of Ottawa’s first strategy covering theIndo-Pacific, said the recent developments in the Indo-Pacific will determinethe success of the global economic recovery following COVID-19 pandemic. Directorof the Council on International Policy in Ottawa Jonathan Berkshire Miller expressed his delightat the recent launch of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between Canada andASEAN. He suggested that Canada should build an Indo-Pacific Strategy alongsidestrengthening engagement with ASEAN./.
The Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) has urged Canada to secure its economic interests with Vietnam as a key tenet of Canada’s evolving Indo-Pacific strategy, according to an article on Business in Vancouver weekly newspaper.
Experts from Canada and ASEAN member countries as well as leaders of businesses of both sides gathered at an online conference on July 29 by York University's Centre for Asian Studies to discuss the Canada-ASEAN connectivity, especially in business and education.
Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau has underscored the strategic importance of the relationship between Canada and ASEAN, based on an enduring partnership of shared interests and cooperation that has spanned over 44 years.
ASEAN member countries and Canada have agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA) during the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) – Canada Consultation which was held virtually on November 17.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
Former Canadian Ambassador to the WTO and Japan Jonathan Fried (L) at the event (Photo: VNA) 
