Minister Sidhu strengthens Canada’s trade and investment ties with Association of Southeast Asian Nations

September 23, 2026 - Manila, Philippines - Global Affairs Canada

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.

Quotes

“At the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting, we have advanced our negotiations towards Free Trade Agreements with ASEAN and the Philippines. Agreements with both will expand opportunities for our exporters in this key region and create more well-paying jobs at home. Securing greater access to these key markets is how we will double our non-U.S. exports over the next decade. That is $300 billion in more trade and new orders for Canadian resources, industries, and talent, to build a more diversified, resilient economy.”

- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade

Quick facts

• Canada became an ASEAN dialogue partner in 1977 and is one of 12 partners with this designation. In 2027, Canada and ASEAN will celebrate 50 years of relations.  

• Its current members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam.

• In 2025, Canada-ASEAN bilateral merchandise trade reached $52.5 billion, up 23.7% from $42.4 billion in 2024.

• The Philippines, the 2026 chair of ASEAN, is Canada’s fifth-largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in Southeast Asia, with two-way trade reaching $3.4 billion in 2025. Its strong and stable economy, talent pool and ongoing infrastructure support make it an attractive market for Canadian companies and investors, especially in the aerospace and defence, information and communication technology, energy and clean tech sectors.

• Launched in 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy has five strategic objectives: security, trade, sustainability, people-to-people ties and regional engagement. It reflects Canada’s commitment to inclusive growth and partnerships with Indo-Pacific economies that create shared prosperity.