February 21, 2025 - Brunei - Global Affairs Canada
Today, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, concluded her visit to Singapore and Brunei after
participating in the third annual Canada-in-Asia Conference (CIAC), which was held from February 19 to 21, 2025, and organized by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and Universities Canada.As a world leader in the nuclear sector, Canada is well positioned to help Indo-Pacific partners in meeting their green economy goals by sharing its expertise and knowledge. In Singapore, Minister Ng participated in the Canada-ASEAN Business Council’s (CABC) Nuclear Energy Capacity Building Symposium, where she highlighted Canada’s efforts in helping Canadians working in the nuclear industry strengthen their partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, including:
- new $7.3 million in funding over 5 years to launch the Canadian Trade Gateway for Nuclear Development. This initiative builds on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Lima, Peru, in November 2024. It is also part of Canada’s goal of strengthening nuclear partnerships in the Indo-Pacific through the gateway under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The funding will support the delivery of professional and regulatory training by Canadian experts in the region, as well as long-term market development efforts by the Canadian nuclear industry, growing our footprint in the region and creating good, well paying-jobs.
During the CIAC’s opening plenary session, Minister Ng highlighted advancements Canada has made under its Indo-Pacific Strategy to help Canadians expand into new markets, grow the economy, create good-paying jobs, and keep our competitive advantage, including the following:
- the official opening of the Singapore office of Development Finance Institute Canada Inc., which will provide Canadian businesses with an additional resource to help them expand their reach in the Indo-Pacific region and become more successful
- milestones achieved under the Indo-Pacific Engagement Initiative, a key component of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
While in Singapore, Minister Ng met with Canadian investors and representatives of chambers of commerce and heads of mission in the Indo-Pacific, to find ways to create new opportunities and address challenges as Canada begins the third year of its Indo-Pacific Strategy.
In Brunei, Minister Ng joined a Canadian business delegation of 10 companies. The Minister:
- participated in a round-table discussion where she highlighted Canada’s technological and educational expertise in energy transition
- exchanged views with Canadian and Bruneian women leaders in the innovation and energy sectors about the importance of inclusive trade and removing the barriers often faced by women in trade
- participated in the launch of the new Canada-Brunei Chamber of Commerce and Networking Association, established to support Canadian commercial and business activity in Brunei
- visited the BN40 photography exhibition, to view a photographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia’s giga-pixel image, the highest resolution photos ever made. The photograph celebrates Brunei’s 40 years of independence and symbolizes Canada’s collaboration with Brunei.
Minister Ng also met with international counterparts to promote trade diversification, advancing investment relations, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and negotiations toward an ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement.
Quotes
“As the global transition toward green energy continues, Canada is proud to lead by sharing our world-class expertise in the nuclear sector, thereby empowering Indo-Pacific economies in building a cleaner and more sustainable future. I’m excited to see Canadian businesses thrive in this dynamic region—driving innovation and economic growth while strengthening opportunities for our middle class and all Canadians.”
- Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
Quick facts
Under the IPEI, Canada previously provided funding of $10 million over 3 years for the Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships Program for Canadians, to support graduate students, researchers, academics advance their knowledge and engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Under the IPEI, Canada previously provided funding of the first $4 million over 4 years, under the Regional Connectivity Envelope (RCE), to support Canadian non-governmental organization, Indigenous organizations representing First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and academics as they pursue initiatives with Indo-Pacific partners in key areas of mutual interest such as security, climate and trade.
Initial projects previously funded under the RCE include, $250,000 awarded to CABC to support a Business Leaders Series in Malaysia and further events to support trade relationships with ASEAN, and $220,000 to Deep Tech Canada to enhance collaboration with stakeholders in Singapore in the Deep Tech sector.
In 2024, Canada’s merchandise exports to Singapore were valued at $2.2 billion, up 27% from 2023, and driven by sales of machinery, mineral fuels and oils, and aircraft.
Canadian merchandise imports from Singapore were valued at $1.45 billion, with electronics, scientific and precision instruments, and pharmaceuticals as top categories.
In 2023, Canadian direct investment in Singapore was valued at $18 billion while Canada received $7.9 billion in direct investment from Singapore.
In 2024, bilateral merchandise trade between Canada and Brunei was valued at $8.5 million.
In 2024, Canada’s exports to Brunei were valued at $6.7 million, and imports from Brunei at $1.8 million.
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