Canada is expanding and diversifying its international agreements to build a stronger and more resilient economy. We are collaborating with our international partners in new and innovative ways and expanding opportunities for Canadians and Canadian businesses.
Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, highlighted an expanded air transport agreement with Vietnam, Canada's largest trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The expanded agreement was announced by Prime Minister Carney as part of the new Strategic Partnership between Canada and Vietnam.
The expanded air transport agreement allows for direct flights between Canada and Vietnam for the first time. This is in direct response to the significant growth in the bilateral air market and in support of Canada's Trade Diversification and Indo-Pacific strategies. By strengthening air connectivity, Canada and Vietnam are supporting business growth, facilitating the movement of goods, making travel more seamless, and fostering stronger people-to-people ties.
The expanded agreement includes:
- Up to 14 weekly passenger-combination flights per country
- Up to 7 weekly all-cargo flights per country
- Fifth freedom rights for all-cargo flights (the ability to operate flights between two foreign countries if the flight either starts or ends in the airline's home country)
