The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development, is leading Canada’s largest-ever Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines. The mission will occur from December 1 to 6, 2024, with over 300 participants from over 190 Canadian companies and organizations. This mission aims to help Canadian businesses expand into two of Southeast Asia’s most promising markets.
Rey Fort Media with Trade Minister Mary Ng on November 29, 2024, a few hours before her flight to the Philippines.
Minister Ng will help Canadian companies explore new opportunities during the mission, gain valuable insights into local business environments, and build connections with key government and industry leaders in Indonesia and the Philippines. These efforts are intended to strengthen trade, investment, and supply chain resilience while enhancing Canada’s relationships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the broader Indo-Pacific region, aligning with the goals of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
Throughout the trip, Minister Ng will engage with Indonesian and Philippine leaders to discuss shared priorities such as enhancing Canada-ASEAN relations, addressing climate change, fostering the green economy, and promoting women’s leadership and entrepreneurship. She will also meet with international counterparts to advance sustainable and inclusive trade.
Minister Ng met in Vancouver on November 29 with ASEAN-Canadian business representatives ahead of the mission, some of whom will join her on the trip. She emphasized the value of these trade missions in showcasing Canadian innovation and facilitating business growth in the Indo-Pacific region, which, in turn, supports Canada’s economy and job creation.
“I am thrilled to lead Canada’s largest Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines. Expanding opportunities for Canadian businesses in this dynamic region is essential as we work to diversify our economic and security ties beyond North America and Europe. Strengthening Canada’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific will benefit our economy and help create jobs for Canadians from coast to coast.”
– Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development
Quick Facts:
- The Indo-Pacific region is Canada’s second-largest export market, following the United States. In 2023, the two-way merchandise trade reached $257 billion.
- Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched in November 2022, aims to increase trade, investment, job growth, and supply chain resilience.
- In 2023, Indonesia ranked Canada’s 22nd-largest trading partner globally and third-largest in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade was valued at $5.1 billion, with Canadian exports to Indonesia reaching $2.3 billion.
- The Philippines is Canada’s third-largest ASEAN export market, with bilateral trade totalling $3.4 billion in merchandise and $2.6 billion in services in 2023.
- Team Canada Trade Missions help Canadian businesses expand internationally, gain market intelligence, and forge valuable business connections.
Contact Information: Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development
343-575-8816
[email protected]
Global Affairs Canada Media Relations
[email protected]
(MBB)
By Bella Balisi-Bevilacqua
