Canada’s standing in the Indo-Pacific region is on the rise as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) prepares to designate Ottawa as its latest strategic partner during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s visit to Indonesia.
This move by ASEAN symbolizes Canada’s increased presence in the region and reflects the progress being made towards a Canada-ASEAN free-trade agreement. The partnership will be officially recognized when Trudeau and Trade Minister Mary Ng visit Jakarta this week.
During his visit, Trudeau will meet with Indonesian President Joko Widodo to discuss important issues such as fighting climate change, food security, and advancing economic ties, including energy production and trade. The launch of the ASEAN-Canada strategic partnership will be held on Wednesday, with Trudeau expected to deliver remarks.
“The ASEAN believes engagement with Canada is much deeper than it used to be,” said Wayne Farmer, president of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council. “We are trading more, engaging more, and that’s a positive development for us. It’s another step in the right direction.”
While ASEAN and Canada have been strengthening their ties for years, this visit marks Canada’s official status as a strategic partner. Talks regarding a free trade agreement between the two parties began in 2021 and are progressing well, with negotiations expected to continue this month and a deal targeted to be finalized by 2025.
According to Gaphel Kongtsa, director of international policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, reducing trade barriers within the region is a top priority for local businesses. ASEAN is Canada’s second-largest merchandise export market after the United States, with an annual two-way trade value of $270 billion last year. Agribusiness is one of the largest economic sectors in this trade relationship.
The need for Canadian talent and goods in the Indo-Pacific region has grown due to economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. There is also an amplified call for an accelerated energy transition in the region. Goldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of Canada, emphasizes the importance of transitioning countries that heavily rely on coal for their energy needs to alternative forms of energy to reduce global emissions.
ASEAN sees Canada and its companies as valuable allies in providing the technology, services, and products needed to address food insecurity, promote green energy transitions, and build smart cities. The partnership between ASEAN and Canada aims to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, particularly in developing nations.
Overall, Trudeau’s visit to Indonesia and the designation of Canada as a strategic partner by ASEAN signifies the growing importance of Canada’s presence and engagement in the Indo-Pacific region.
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