Parliamentary Secretary Naqvi strengthens Canada’s trade and investment ties with Association of Southeast Asian Nations
News release
September 26 2025 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Global Affairs Canada
This week, Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development), concluded his participation in the Fourteenth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers-Canada Consultation, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
During the consultation, the Parliamentary Secretary highlighted the progress Canada and ASEAN member states have made toward a free trade agreement and underscored the importance of efforts to conclude negotiations as soon as possible in 2026.
At the meeting, the Parliamentary Secretary and ASEAN partners highlighted the increased trade and economic cooperation between Canada and ASEAN member states since the launch of the Strategic Partnership 2 years ago, in line with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
During his visit to Malaysia, Parliamentary Secretary Naqvi met with business leaders and spoke at the Canada-ASEAN Business Council Forum (CABC). He highlighted Canada as a trusted and reliable trading partner and recognized CABC’s leadership in increasing linkages between Canadian and ASEAN businesses.
He also hosted a nuclear energy roundtable with Malaysian officials, strengthening Canada’s connections and expanding its trade and investment in this sector. He visited the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) launched in 2024, an initiative Canada is proud to support as it strengthens cybersecurity partnerships and expertise in the Indo-Pacific through skills training.
Finally, during his visit, Parliamentary Secretary Naqvi met with several international partners to discuss trade and investment priorities of mutual interest, including: ASEAN Secretary General, Malaysia, India, Brunei, Cambodia, The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Philippines, Timor Leste, Australia, the European Union, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the UK.
Quotes
“Canada is expanding its trade and investment ties with ASEAN member states and into the Indo-Pacific region—an excellent example of Canada’s trade diversification agenda and a testament to Canada’s position as a trusted and reliable commercial partner on the world stage. These efforts will ultimately benefit Canadian businesses and workers, create good jobs, and support a strong economy across our country.”
- Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development)
Quick facts
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ASEAN was founded in 1967 to facilitate economic growth, promote social progress, foster cultural development and ensure regional peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
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Its current members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and Vietnam.
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From 2023 to 2024, Canada’s bilateral merchandise trade with ASEAN grew by 9.2%, from $38.8 billion to $42.3 billion.
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In 2021, Canada and ASEAN launched negotiations toward an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA).
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In 2023, Canada launched a Strategic Partnership with ASEAN, reinforcing its commitment to one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions.
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Malaysia is Canada’s fourth-largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in Southeast Asia. Since 2020, bilateral merchandise trade with Malaysia has increased by 36%, rising from $3.8 billion in 2020 to $5.2 billion in 2024.
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Launched in 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy lays out Canada’s commitment to advancing 5 strategic objectives, from security and trade to investing in and connecting people, sustainability and regional engagement. The Strategy reflects Canada’s commitment to inclusive growth, a rules-based international order, and partnerships that create shared prosperity with Indo-Pacific economies.
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Contacts
Huzaif Qaisar
Director of Communications
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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