Minister Ng concludes successful visits to Thailand and Singapore

May 25, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

Helping businesses find innovative ways to diversify trade and expand into growth markets is key to a sustainable, inclusive economic recovery and transition to a green economy.

This week, Minister Ng concluded visits to Thailand and Singapore that advanced progress toward strengthening Canada’s trade relationships in the Indo-Pacific—a region crucial to Canada’s trade diversification strategy—by building partnerships and creating more opportunities for Canadian businesses to export their innovative products and services.

In Thailand, on the margins of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting, Minister Ng announced that Canada has submitted a formal request to launch negotiations for Canada’s accession to the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA). Joining DEPA would further secure Canada’s position at the forefront of the global digital economy and boost Canadian innovation.

In Singapore, the Minister also announced Canada’s intention to launch a design study exploring the establishment of a Canadian trade gateway in Southeast Asia. This study will assess how Canada can enhance its presence in the region and leverage Singapore’s dynamic market and connectivity as a gateway to all Southeast Asia.  

In both countries, Minister Ng met with her counterparts, representatives of Canadian companies, potential investors, and women business leaders to discuss opportunities for further collaboration, trade, and investment. Throughout the meetings, the Minister promoted Canadian cleantech innovations and expertise and underscored the need to drive sustainable economic growth as the world works toward net zero greenhouse gas emissions. 

In Thailand, Minister Ng met with Jurin Laksanawisit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, to discuss the growing bilateral trade and investment relationship between their countries. Minister Ng emphasized the importance of advancing negotiations on a Canada-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) free trade agreement, which when completed will create significant trade and investment opportunities for Canadian businesses. The ministers discussed issues related to the WTO, including the path to making the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12), in June 2022, a success. Minister Ng also requested access to the Thai market for Canadian pork products.

In Singapore, Minister Ng met with Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Trade and Industry, to discuss opportunities to work together to drive green growth and expand cooperation on the digital economy following Canada’s Digital Economy Partnership Agreement accession request. The ministers also discussed Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement negotiations and WTO issues, in preparation for MC12.

Throughout the trip, Minister Ng coordinated with partners in unequivocally condemning Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine and urged her counterparts to uphold the rules-based international order. She reaffirmed that Canada stands resolute against authoritarianism and with a free and democratic Ukraine.