Atlantic Canada Expands its Horizons in the Indo-Pacific
Atlantic Canadian businesses are proving that distance is no barrier to growth. In 2025, 35 companies and organizations from across the region took part in two trade missions to the Indo-Pacific under the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy (ATIGS). Together, they explored new opportunities, built partnerships, and showcased the region’s strengths in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.
These missions demonstrate how ATIGA partners, including ACOA, Global Affairs Canada, and the governments of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, are turning policy into progress. Guided by Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Atlantic Canada has developed its own approach to engagement in the region, one that connects national priorities with the region’s growth sectors, including seafood, ocean technology, clean growth, life sciences, and education.
From Vision to Action
Atlantic Canada’s approach to growing trade focuses on collaboration, preparation, and a sustained presence in key markets. It emphasizes building capacity among exporters and creating long-term relationships founded on quality and innovation.
The 2025 missions brought this vision to life. Each included pre-departure briefings, targeted business matchmaking, and in-market programming supported by the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service. Participants gained practical insight into consumer expectations, market access requirements, and partnership opportunities, returning home better equipped to pursue new business abroad.
Opening Doors in Southeast Asia
The first trade mission of 2025 brought Atlantic companies to Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. These rapidly developing economies offered a gateway into the broader Indo-Pacific region and strong interest in Canadian products and expertise.
Atlantic firms explored opportunities in ocean technology, advanced manufacturing, agri-food, and clean growth. Participants also met with local research institutions and innovation networks that are helping to drive sustainable economic transformation across Southeast Asia.
Expanding into Japan and South Korea
Later in the year, a second trade mission took companies to Japan and South Korea, two of the region’s most advanced and established markets. Participants connected with importers, distributors, and business associations, learning how Atlantic products can compete through quality, reliability, and sustainability.
"The trade mission to Asia was a great opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and open new doors for McGraw Seafood. It gave us valuable market insights and helped us better position our Tekpa brand internationally."
— Robbie Graham, McGraw Seafood, NB
" For a small company like AffinityImmuno the opportunity to travel to Asia and learn about business opportunities and make important contacts wouldn't have been possible without the support ATIGA provided. We were able to connect with key players in the bioscience industry which will lead to develop these pipelines."
— Amir Zuccolo, AffinityImmuno, PE
Nova Scotia’s Larch Wood Enterprises found new potential in Japan’s high-end retail and hospitality sectors, where craftsmanship and responsible sourcing are key advantages.
“Japan’s deep appreciation for craftsmanship and authenticity really resonated with what we do at Larch Wood. Meeting with retailers and distributors helped us understand that our best point of entry into the market will likely be through an online marketplace, where customers actively seek high-quality, handmade goods. The mission also gave us the opportunity to strengthen our connection with existing distribution partners in South Korea — a relationship we’re excited to keep building.”
— Liam O’Rourke, Larch Wood Enterprises, NS
Collaboration That Delivers
These trade missions, and the strategy behind them, shows how the region is helping achieve Canada’s goals of diversifying export markets and strengthening international partnerships. They underscore the value of a coordinated Atlantic Canadian effort that helps small and medium-sized businesses navigate complex markets and be part of a unified Team Canada abroad. Participants returned with stronger networks, clearer strategies, and renewed confidence to grow globally.
With further trade activities planned through ATIGA’s ongoing Indo-Pacific efforts, Atlantic Canada will continue to strengthen its presence in the region and build on the momentum created through these first missions.
For participating companies, this is only the beginning of a larger journey, one that turns Atlantic Canada’s ambition into global opportunity.