Canada diversifies trade in the Indo-Pacific region through the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia

From: Global Affairs Canada

News release

May 30, 2025 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia - Global Affairs Canada

Today, the Government of Canada concluded a successful Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to Thailand and Cambodia. The delegation, led by Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade, brought together more than 150 representatives from over 90 Canadian organizations, of which 80% are small and medium-sized enterprises, to explore the unique business opportunities that Thailand and Cambodia have to offer.

As Canada works to build a stronger, more resilient economy, the Team Canada approach to trade missions is a proven tool that generates economic benefits for Canadians. As a key initiative under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, this TCTM opened doors for Canadian businesses in a wide range of sectors to:

  • form new connections in 2 of Southeast Asia’s emerging markets
  • diversify their trade strategies
  • increase their resilience
  • develop products and services that benefit Canada

During the TCTM’s business-to-business sessions, Ms. Wilshaw saw Canadian, Thai and Cambodian companies in action. She was impressed by the number of meaningful connections made between Canada and its trade partners through this trade mission.

In Bangkok, Thailand, Ms. Wilshaw met with Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, President of Thailand Trade Representatives and Adviser to the Prime Minister of Thailand. She also spoke with members of the board of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and senior executives of the Charoen Pokphand Group, the largest Thai investor in Canada. In doing so, she highlighted Canada’s work in expanding trade, investment and supply-chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. For example, she noted the opening of a 12th Export Development Canada representation in Bangkok, which helps Canadian companies diversify into the Indo-Pacific region, resulting in more and better business opportunities for Canadians. She also noted Canada’s 15 free trade agreements, spanning 51 countries, as the foundation of Canada’s trade-diversification efforts.

In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Ms. Wilshaw met with Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, Sok Siphana, Senior Minister and Adviser to the Prime Minister; Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce; and Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. She spoke about mutual trade and investment priorities, sector-specific opportunities and the progress being made on a free trade agreement between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. She also highlighted Canada’s commitment to deepening its engagement in Cambodia under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. She noted that Canada’s presence in Phnom Penh was upgraded to an embassy in March 2025 and that this TCTM was the largest-ever Canadian delegation to visit Cambodia.

Quotes

“Canada’s commitment to diversifying trade in the Indo-Pacific region and creating economic growth opportunities for Canadian businesses has never been stronger. I’m pleased that this Team Canada Trade Mission has helped Canadian companies and organizations identify new opportunities, make lasting partnerships and expand their networks in Thailand and Cambodia.”

- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade

“The Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia was an incredible opportunity to see Canadian businesses build lasting partnerships and connections with Thai and Cambodian companies and stakeholders. I look forward to continuing to leverage the Trade Commissioner Service’s global footprint to strengthen our economy through initiatives like this one, benefiting not only Canadian businesses, but also our trade relationships around the globe.”

- Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade

Quick facts

  • In 2023, bilateral trade in services between Canada and Thailand totalled $522 million.

  • Thailand is currently Canada's second-largest merchandise trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region.

  • Canadian direct investment in Thailand totalled $531 million in 2024, while Thai direct investment in Canada reached $692 million.

  • Canada-Cambodia bilateral merchandise trade was valued at $2.4 billion in 2024, up from $2.1 billion in 2023.

  • Merchandise exports from Canada to Cambodia were valued at $33.5 million in 2024, down from $37.2 million in 2023.

  • Merchandise imports from Cambodia to Canada have been on a general upward trend, reaching $2.4 billion in 2024.

  • Canadian direct investment in Cambodia amounted to $3.0 billion in 2024.

Associated links

Contacts

Huzaif Qaisar
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-575-8816
Huzaif.Qaisar@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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