Readout: Minister Ng speaks with Secretary-General of ASEAN

 [July 31, 2020] - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

On Wednesday, July 29, 2020, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, spoke with Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The Minister and the Secretary-General discussed ways Canada and ASEAN would work together in support of their businesses and people in the global economic recovery from COVID-19.

They also discussed increasing trade and investment relations between Canada and ASEAN, as well as building on common interests and values, such as the commitment to strengthening the rules-based global trading system.

During the conversation, they reiterated the importance of international collaboration to ensure people receive the essential medical supplies and equipment they need through this global pandemic. The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation to Minister Ng for Canada’s donation of personal protective equipment to ASEAN during the pandemic.

Minister Ng and Secretary-General Lim look forward to the ASEAN Economic Ministers-Canada Consultations, planned for the end of August, where ministers will discuss opportunities to enhance the Canada-ASEAN trade relationship to the benefit of small businesses, workers, and people in Canada and across the ASEAN region.