Canada’s Secretary of State (International Development), the Honourable Randeep Sarai, concluded a visit to Vietnam, Indonesia and Fiji from January 6 to 16, 2026, where he underscored Canada’s commitment to expanding trade and deepening economic partnerships across the Indo‑Pacific. Throughout the trip, he highlighted Canada’s priorities of inclusive economic growth, trade readiness, climate resilience and gender equality. He announced over $4.2 million for four new initiatives under the ASEAN‑Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund (2023–2029), aimed at enhancing collaboration in the digital economy, AI governance, agriculture and food safety, and the energy transition—key sectors shaping future trade opportunities.
Across Vietnam, Indonesia and Fiji, Secretary of State Sarai met with senior government officials, business leaders and community partners to advance Canada’s trade diversification agenda and reinforce the link between development cooperation and commercial engagement. His program included discussions on expanding market access, supporting small and medium‑sized enterprises, and promoting sustainable, rules‑based trade. He visited Canada‑supported initiatives that strengthen climate‑resilient agriculture in Vietnam, accelerate clean energy development in Indonesia and foster women’s entrepreneurship and ecosystem restoration in Fiji—projects that help build stable, prosperous markets for future trade. He also reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to ASEAN as a strategic economic partner and marked the opening of Canada’s new high commission in Suva, a milestone that enhances Canada’s presence in the Pacific and creates new avenues for trade and economic collaboration across the region.
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