Ontario Appoints New Agent-General to Strengthen Trade in Southeast Asia

Bernard Derible to lead trade strategy from Singapore as province looks to diversify global markets

TORONTO — The Ontario government has named Bernard Derible as the province’s new Agent-General in Southeast Asia, a key diplomatic appointment aimed at expanding international trade ties and attracting investment from one of the world’s fastest-growing regions.

Derible, who brings more than 35 years of experience across government, business, and global development sectors, will serve as Ontario’s top trade envoy in the ASEAN region. His new role will focus on securing investment opportunities and helping Ontario businesses break into markets across Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The appointment follows the recent opening of Ontario’s Trade and Investment Office (TIO) in Singapore, which is designed to serve as a regional hub for economic engagement.

Ontario has announced a new Agent-General position in Southeast Asia.

Bernie Derible will serve as the province’s representative in-market, providing strategic advice, identifying investment opportunities and helping to diversify Ontario’s trade.

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— Victor Fedeli (@VictorFedeli) June 9, 2025

“In the face of global economic uncertainty and a tightening investment environment, our government is protecting Ontario by creating new opportunities for our businesses, workers, and families,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “We welcome Mr. Derible to this important role and look forward to seeing his expertise support our ambitions to diversify trade relations and attract new investments.”

The move is part of a broader international strategy to reduce Ontario’s reliance on traditional markets and capitalize on the $5.1 trillion GDP and nearly 689 million people in the ASEAN bloc.

Derible has held senior leadership roles in economic reform projects in Afghanistan and has supported development and education initiatives across Southeast Asia. In his new role, he will report directly to Minister Fedeli and be tasked with measurable targets, including investment deals secured and the number of Ontario companies supported.

Since 2018, Ontario’s global network of Trade and Investment Offices has facilitated over $27 billion in foreign investment and helped create nearly 15,400 new jobs across the province.

As Ontario works to expand its economic footprint abroad, Derible’s appointment underscores a growing emphasis on diplomacy and diversification. He will work in tandem with the Singapore-based TIO to strengthen government-to-government relationships and enhance the province’s international profile.

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