Canada considers Southeast Asia gateway to Indo-Pacific

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Export Development Canada (EDC) 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.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Vice President of Strategic Policy & Global Partnerships at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Catherine Fortin LeFaivre said 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.

Canada is currently pressing ahead with its Indo - Pacific strategy implementation, investing approximately $2 billion 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. These delegations visited Malaysia and Vietnam recently, with plans to visit Indonesia and the Philippines later this year.

According to Nankivell, Canada is also opening offices in ASEAN member states to step up cooperation in trade investment, innovation, modern technology, health care, and the environment. There are currently Canadian agricultural and trade offices in the Philippines and Singapore, respectively, with the establishment of an innovation one pending for Vietnam.

A high level of interest in Canada regarding the development and expansion of relationships with Vietnam has been noticed, he said. Canadian universities and colleges are seeking to attract more students from the country, while Canadian businesses are looking to invest in its market and attract Vietnamese investment in new areas.

EDC Chief Representative in Southeast Asia Olivia Lee observed that Vietnam’s highlights include its ongoing energy transition process, particularly wind and solar energy development.

Florent Favrel, Director of the Quebec Chamber of Commerce, said Quebec always sees Vietnam as a gateway to the Indo-Pacific and the first door that local businesses should open thanks to its immense potential.