Canada Deepens Indo-Pacific Engagement with New Trade, Economic, and Defence Partnerships

Prime Minister Carney Concludes Landmark Indo-Pacific Visit

Prime Minister Mark Carney concluded his inaugural official visit to the Indo-Pacific region on November 1, 2025, following his attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, South Korea. The visit marked a pivotal moment for Canada's engagement in the region, with significant announcements aimed at strengthening trade, economic, and defence ties with key Indo-Pacific nations. Prime Minister Carney emphasized Canada's commitment to diversifying its economy and reducing reliance on a single trade partner, with an ambitious goal of doubling non-U.S. exports over the next decade.

Enhanced Security and Defence Cooperation with South Korea

During his visit to South Korea, Prime Minister Carney, alongside Korean President Lee Jae Myung, unveiled the new Canada-Republic of Korea Security and Defence Cooperation Partnership. This agreement is the first of its kind for Canada in the Indo-Pacific, designed to deepen collaboration across security, defence, industry, and emerging domains such as cyber, space, and hybrid threats. The leaders also finalized negotiations on a General Security of Information Agreement, which will facilitate more effective information sharing, procurement, industrial security, and research. Further solidifying bilateral ties, Prime Minister Carney announced a Team Canada Trade Mission to Korea scheduled for 2026 and expressed Canada's offer to host APEC in 2029.

Expanding Trade Horizons Across Southeast Asia and Beyond

A key outcome of the visit was the initiation of free trade negotiations between Canada and Thailand, announced by Prime Minister Carney and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. This move is seen as a significant step towards unlocking new opportunities for Canadian exporters and aligns with Canada's broader Indo-Pacific Strategy. Additionally, Canada and Chile signed a renewed Canada-Chile Strategic Partnership Framework with President Gabriel Boric, focusing on critical minerals, clean energy, wildfire management, and digital technologies.

Strategic Dialogue with China and Broader Regional Engagement

Prime Minister Carney also held his first official meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both leaders agreed to work towards renewing the Canada-China relationship in a pragmatic and constructive manner, directing officials to resolve outstanding trade issues concerning products like canola, seafood, and electric vehicles. Discussions also covered potential cooperation in energy, agriculture, climate change, and international finance, with President Xi extending an invitation for Prime Minister Carney to visit China. Throughout his trip, Prime Minister Carney engaged with various Indo-Pacific leaders and business communities, promoting Canadian expertise in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, critical minerals, and clean energy.

Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy in Action

These new partnerships and diplomatic engagements are integral to Canada's overarching Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched in November 2022. The strategy provides a comprehensive roadmap for deepening Canada's presence and influence in the region, focusing on promoting peace, resilience, and security; expanding trade, investment, and supply chain resilience; investing in people; and building a sustainable and green future. The recent announcements underscore Canada's commitment to becoming a more active and engaged partner in the Indo-Pacific, fostering long-term growth and prosperity for Canadians.