Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by promising to invest nearly $330 million over five years in the region.
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Dedicated to ten countries in this Asian region, an initial funding of $24.1 million will be allocated to the Southeast Asia Trade Gateway to facilitate access to Canadian business leaders.
Other measures such as the Common Ocean Fund ($84.3 million), the Women’s International Assistance Policy – Financing for Development ($100 million) or the Indo-Pacific Partnership Initiative ($40 million) will strengthen Canada’s presence in this region.
“Today more than ever, we must redouble our efforts in terms of cooperation,” Mr. Trudeau said on Saturday during his announcement in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Earlier this week, Canada announced the upcoming launch of its Indo-Pacific strategy. This is a serious strategy aimed at deepening and strengthening our long-term engagement in the region, he added.
“Canada is now focusing on the region to understand that we are a reliable partner. Canada has been present in the region, but not at the level it could be, and we are trying to make it a priority,” Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie said during a press meeting.
