Canada considers Southeast Asia gateway to Indo-Pacific

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Export Development Canada have co-organised a forum in Montreal, discussing the nation’s gateway to the Indo-Pacific, which groups 40 countries whose economic activities are worth close to 50 billion USD.

Canada is currently pressing ahead with its Indo - Pacific strategy implementation, investing approximately 2 billion USD in trade to build more connections with and strengthen its presence in the region. In this strategy, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) holds the central position, with Canada and the bloc upgrading their relationship to a strategic partnership in September 2023.

President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Jeff Nankivell noted that the strategy covers the organisation of fact-finding trips for Canadian trade delegations. A high level of interest in Canada regarding the development and expansion of relationships with Vietnam has been noticed, he said.

Canada is also opening offices in ASEAN member states to step up cooperation in trade investment, innovation, modern technology, health care, and the environment.

The event is an opportunity for businesses to gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and more directions when considering expanding their operation in the region./.