Minister Sidhu to visit Singapore and Vietnam to diversify Canada’s trade and attract new investments
News release
February 6, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Canada is focused on diversifying trade partnerships and attracting investments to build a stronger, more sustainable and more resilient economy.
The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, announced today that he will visit Singapore from February 9 to 10, 2026, to attend the Canada-in-Asia Conference. He will then visit Vietnam from February 11 to 12. The visit will advance Canada’s trade ties with Singapore and Vietnam, two key partners in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), promoting the agreement and reinforcing Canada’s support Vietnam’s priorities as the 2026 CPTPP Commission Chair.
While in Singapore, the Minister will meet with business leaders, investors and government officials from across Canada and Asia. The visit will underscore Canada’s commitment to deepening economic partnerships and advancing trade priorities in the heart of Southeast Asia.
While in Vietnam, Minister Sidhu will engage with government officials and Canadian and Vietnamese business leaders to reinforce Canada’s position as a trusted and reliable economic, trade and investment partner.
Quotes
“ASEAN is a cornerstone of Canada’s Indo-Pacific trade strategy and one of the fastest-growing economic regions in the world. As we deepen our engagement with partners across ASEAN, including Singapore and Vietnam, we are strengthening trade and investment ties that create jobs, unlock new markets, and deliver real economic growth for Canadian businesses and workers
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
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The Indo-Pacific is Canada’s second-largest regional merchandise export market, after the United States, with annual two-way merchandise trade valued at $262 billion in 2024.
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Singapore is Canada’s largest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Southeast Asia. In 2024, FDI from Singapore to Canada totalled $7.8 billion and Canadian direct investment in Singapore totalled $22 billion.
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In 2024, Canada-Singapore merchandise trade totalled $3.7 billion, up from $3.2 billion in 2023. In 2024, Canada’s merchandise exports to Singapore were valued at $2.2 billion, and its merchandise imports from Singapore at $1.5 billion.
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Vietnam is Canada’s largest merchandise trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region. In 2024, Canada-Vietnam merchandise trade totalled $15.7 billion, up from $14 billion in 2023.
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The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership has been in force in Vietnam since January 2019.
Associated links
Contacts
Erin Quevillon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
343-203-7332
Erin.Quevillon@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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