This week, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, concluded his participation in the Fifteenth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers-Canada Meeting, in Manila, the Philippines, further strengthening Canada's presence in the Indo-Pacific. Minister Sidhu advanced negotiations toward free trade agreements with both the Philippines and ASEAN during his visit. His meetings with senior Filipino government and business leaders brought a bilateral agreement that will unlock new opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers closer to conclusion. Minister Sidhu also progressed negotiations toward a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement, which will open doors to one of the world's fastest-growing regional markets.
During the meeting, Minister Sidhu highlighted the increased trade and economic cooperation between Canada and ASEAN member states, with trade growing by 23.7% over the past year.
While in Manila, Minister Sidhu announced Canada's $2-million investment to combat organized criminal activity targeting critical mineral supply chains, to be delivered in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This initiative aims to safeguard economic security and support resilient supply chains across the region.
The Minister also announced funding of $280,000 through the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund to support micro-, small and medium enterprise development and economic diplomacy training across Southeast Asia.
On the margins of the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting, Minister Sidhu also met with international partners, including the ASEAN Secretary-General and representatives from Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore and the United Kingdom, to advance shared trade and investment priorities.
