This week, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, and close to 300 delegates from approximately 175 business organizations from across Canada, travelled to Tokyo as part of the largest Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to Japan, one of Canada's most significant trade missions to the Indo-Pacific. The mission delivered landmark results, including 14 commercial deals valued at over $1.7 billion, marking a record for Canadian businesses.
The TCTM to Japan builds on the momentum of the Canada-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, announced by Prime Minister Mark Carney in March 2026. Minister Sidhu advanced Canada's trade diversification efforts and supported new commercial partnerships as he met with Canadian and Japanese industry leaders to gain insights into local market needs and identify areas for collaboration.
As part of the mission, Minister Sidhu spoke with senior business leaders at the Canada Business Dialogue with Keidanren and the Business Council of Canada, to position Canada as a strong partner for investment in energy, critical minerals, and innovation. Minister Sidhu also advanced new commercial cooperation with Japan across aerospace, space, maritime technology, and defence supply chains at the Strategic Defence Partnership Forum.
Minister Sidhu also discussed shared trade priorities with Japanese officials, notably:
- Motegi Toshimitsu, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy
During site visits to Japanese organizations and meetings with leading Japanese companies, including GX Acceleration Agency, Fujitsu, the Tokyo Lumber Terminal, Mitsubishi, and Toyota, Minister Sidhu furthered Canada-Japan commercial collaboration and trade opportunities by promoting Canadian strengths in Japan's areas of interest. These visits helped align Canadian expertise with Japan's evolving needs, supported the development of new business opportunities and reinforced Canada's position as a reliable trade partner.
By bringing together a significant and diverse delegation of businesses, industry stakeholders and partners, the TCTM to Japan strengthened long-term relationships and reinforced Canada's economic presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
