Minister Sidhu to lead the largest ever Team Canada Trade Mission to the Indo-Pacific region to unlock new opportunities for Canadian businesses in Japan
News release
June 20, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
Canada is building on its enduring commitment to trade diversification by strengthening its partnerships with trusted allies and helping Canadian businesses prosper in more markets in today’s shifting global landscape. Under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, Team Canada Trade Missions (TCTMs) are key, enabling Canadian companies to expand into the Indo-Pacific region, the fastest-growing market in the world.
Today, the Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, announced that he will be travelling to Tokyo, Japan, to lead the largest TCTM to the Indo-Pacific region since the program’s launch in 2023. From June 23 to 26, 2026, close to 300 delegates from approximately 175 organizations will connect with Japanese decision makers, key industry players and potential clients to deepen existing relationships and pursue new partnerships.
Building on the strong and expanding commercial relationship between Canada and Japan, anchored by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, the mission will showcase Canada’s strengths in areas of Japanese interest, such as defence and security, clean technology, digital innovation, agriculture and agri-food and forestry. It will also position Canada as a reliable partner and trusted place to invest.
Quotes
“I am looking forward to leading this Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan, the largest business-focused delegation to the Indo-Pacific region, with nearly 175 organizations participating. This mission will allow Canadian businesses to make new connections and grow, innovate and compete in the world’s fourth-largest economy. By strengthening Canada’s economic ties with Japan, we’re helping Canadian exporters diversify their market portfolio and build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships that support jobs and prosperity at home and abroad.”
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
Quick facts
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Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy has five strategic objectives: security, trade, sustainability, people-to-people ties and regional engagement; it reflects Canada’s commitment to inclusive growth and partnerships with Indo-Pacific economies for shared prosperity.
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Japan is Canada’s fifth-largest merchandise trading partner, fourth-largest export and fifth-largest import partner as of 2025.
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In 2025, Canada’s merchandise exports to Japan totalled $14.6 billion, while imports from Japan were $21.1 billion.
Associated links
Contacts
Mujtaba Hussain
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade
819-230-8834
Mujtaba.Hussain@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
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