Ottawa Politics

In a landmark speech at the ASEAN-Canada Commemorative Summit on November 12, 2022, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined a series of ambitious new initiatives aimed at deepening Canada’s relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The initiatives, which span a range of sectors including trade, security, development, and gender equality, underscore Canada’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with the Indo-Pacific region.

Key Initiatives Announced

Strengthening Canada’s ASEAN Partnership

Prime Minister Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to advancing shared priorities with ASEAN, including peace, security, sustainable development, and economic prosperity. He highlighted the importance of a rules-based international order and underscored Canada’s role in supporting stability in the Indo-Pacific.

“We are committed to ensuring a prosperous, secure, and sustainable future for both Canada and ASEAN nations,” said Trudeau. “By expanding trade, investing in people, and advancing gender equality, we will build a future where our shared values and goals are achieved.”

$13.1 Million to Boost ASEAN-Canada Relations

In a significant move, Canada pledged to contribute $13.1 million over five years to the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund. This funding will support development projects across the region, focusing on closing development gaps, strengthening trade ties, and advancing negotiations toward a Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The FTA aims to create new economic opportunities, generate jobs, and open up markets for businesses on both sides.

The funding will also support technical assistance to help ASEAN nations participate more effectively in FTA negotiations, laying the groundwork for deeper economic integration.

Women, Peace, and Security Dialogue Series

Canada will host a series of Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) dialogues in Jakarta in 2023. This initiative builds on Canada’s previous efforts in the region, such as the Empowering Women for Sustainable Peace initiative launched in 2021. The dialogues aim to enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes related to peace and security and are aligned with ASEAN’s Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace, and Security.

As part of its Feminist Foreign Policy, Canada seeks to empower women across ASEAN and support gender equality, with a particular focus on leadership roles in political and peace-building processes.

The Canadian Trade Gateway in Southeast Asia

To further strengthen economic ties, Canada announced the establishment of the Canadian Trade Gateway in Southeast Asia. With an investment of $24.1 million over five years, this hub will act as a dynamic platform for Canadian businesses to collaborate and innovate within the Indo-Pacific. The Gateway will connect Canadian exporters with regional markets, provide access to business incubators, and encourage private sector partnerships in key sectors such as green technologies and sustainable infrastructure.

Support for Sustainable Development and Resilience

Canada also pledged $100 million over five years through its Feminist International Assistance Policy. This funding will support development projects that focus on climate resilience, inclusive governance, and sustainable infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific, strengthening ASEAN’s centrality in a free, open, and inclusive region.

Additionally, a new Shared Ocean Fund, worth $84.3 million, will help combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing while promoting sustainable marine practices in the Indo-Pacific. This initiative aims to protect fish stocks and safeguard the region’s marine ecosystems.

Enhanced Educational and Cultural Exchange

The Prime Minister also announced a $14.2 million expansion of the SEED Scholarship Program, which aims to welcome more students from ASEAN and other Indo-Pacific countries to study in Canada. This initiative is designed to promote mutual understanding, facilitate skill-sharing, and foster long-term educational and cultural ties between Canada and the Indo-Pacific.

Moreover, Canada will support the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada (APFC) with $24.5 million to establish a physical presence in the Indo-Pacific, further strengthening Canada’s diplomatic and cultural relationships in the region.

Canada-Indo-Pacific Symposium on Border and Migration Management

Finally, Canada will host a symposium on post-pandemic border and migration management in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, in early 2023. The symposium, organized by the Canada Border Services Agency in cooperation with ASEAN member countries, will focus on economic recovery, border management best practices, and the protection of vulnerable populations, including women and migrants.

A Long-Term Vision for Canada-ASEAN Relations

These measures are part of Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy, which will be officially released soon and aims to bolster Canada’s engagement in the region. The strategy focuses on five key objectives: enhancing resilience, expanding trade, investing in people, ensuring peace and security, and building a sustainable future.

“Canada has long-standing ties with the Indo-Pacific, and today’s announcement signals our intention to strengthen and diversify these connections,” said Trudeau. “Our efforts in trade, development, and peace will not only benefit Canada but also contribute to the prosperity and stability of the entire region.”

As Canada continues to deepen its partnerships with ASEAN and other Indo-Pacific nations, the country is positioning itself as a key player in the region, advancing its foreign policy priorities and enhancing its role as a reliable, engaged partner in the Indo-Pacific’s evolving economic and security landscape.

Conclusion

With these significant new funding commitments and initiatives, Canada is making clear its determination to build a stronger, more sustainable partnership with ASEAN and the broader Indo-Pacific region. The measures announced by Prime Minister Trudeau mark a major step forward in realizing Canada’s vision for a peaceful, secure, and prosperous future in this dynamic and rapidly growing part of the world