Prime Minister Carney to Visit Indo-Pacific to Strengthen Trade and Defence Partnerships
Trip to Malaysia, Singapore, and Korea aims to deepen Canada’s economic ties and unlock new growth opportunities
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to travel to the Indo-Pacific region from October 24 to November 1, 2025, with official visits to Malaysia, Singapore, and the Republic of Korea. The visit underscores Canada’s strategic commitment to expanding its global partnerships, strengthening trade diversification, and reinforcing security cooperation across Asia’s fastest-growing markets.
In Kuala Lumpur, the Prime Minister will attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, representing Canada’s renewed engagement with a region of more than 677 million people and a $5 trillion economy. Carney will meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and key business leaders to explore new export opportunities for Canadian industries — including agriculture, energy, technology, and innovation.
In Singapore, Carney will meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and senior business executives to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, energy, and digital innovation. Building on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Canada aims to expand market access and attract new investment across Southeast Asia.
The visit will conclude in Gyeongju, Korea, where Carney will participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. APEC economies account for over 60% of global GDP and nearly half of global trade. The Prime Minister is expected to meet Korean President Lee Jae Myung and other world leaders to strengthen partnerships in defence, critical minerals, energy, and agriculture.
“The Indo-Pacific is the world’s fastest-growing economic region, presenting major opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses. Our new government is laser-focused on expanding trade in the region – opening doors to new markets, investors, and customers for Canada,” said Prime Minister Carney.
This marks Prime Minister Carney’s first official visit to the Indo-Pacific region, highlighting the government’s broader plan to diversify trade beyond North America. Canada’s two-way trade with the region totalled $261 billion in 2024, and APEC nations represent a cornerstone of global economic growth.
Earlier this year, Canada announced several international initiatives, including a new trade agreement with Indonesia — its first bilateral deal with an ASEAN country — and a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Mexico. These moves, alongside the New EU-Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future, demonstrate Canada’s evolving strategy to create a stronger, more resilient, and globally connected economy.
With upcoming meetings set to focus on trade, defence, and innovation, Carney’s Indo-Pacific mission signals a clear message: Canada is ready to compete on the global stage and build a future anchored in strong partnerships and sustainable growth.
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