- More than 300 representatives from more than 190 companies and organizations as they seek to broaden their reach in two of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets
OTTAWA, Canada – Mary Ng, minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development, is headed to Jakarta, Indonesia, to lead Canada’s largest-ever Team Canada Trade Mission, to Indonesia and the Philippines.
“From December 1 to 6, 2024, minister Ng will lead more than 300 representatives from more than 190 companies and organizations as they seek to broaden their reach in two of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic markets. The minister will help Canadian companies unlock new prospects, gain insights into the business cultures in Indonesia and in the Philippines, and connect with key government and industry leaders to take advantage of new business opportunities,” Global Affairs Canada announced.
“These opportunities are expected to strengthen trade, investment and supply chain resilience, and deepen connections with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and in the broader Indo-Pacific region – all priorities under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
“During the trade mission, minister Ng will meet with key Indonesian and Philippine stakeholders about topics of shared interest, such as Canada-ASEAN relations, climate change and the green economy transition, and the importance of women being leaders and entrepreneurs. The minister will also meet with her international counterparts to advance more sustainable and inclusive trade for all.”
Ahead of departure, on November 29, minister Ng met in Vancouver, British Columbia, with representatives from Canadian businesses, some of whom are joining the minister on the trade mission. Trade minister Ng took the opportunity to highlight how these trade missions showcase Canadian innovation and capabilities while helping to develop valuable business and investment connections in the Indo-Pacific region. Successful companies contribute greatly to the Canadian economy, creating good, well-paying middle-class jobs for Canadians and developing products or services that benefit Canadians.
“I am excited to lead Canada’s largest ever Team Canada Trade Mission to Indonesia and the Philippines. Creating growth opportunities for Canadian businesses in this region has never been more critical as Canada aims to diversify its economic and security relationships beyond North America and Europe. Canada’s strong and growing ties with the Indo-Pacific region will benefit our economy and create good middle-class jobs for Canadians across our country,” said minister Ng.
Quick facts
- The Indo-Pacific region is Canada’s second-largest export market, after the United States; in 2023, yearly 2-way merchandise trade was valued at $257 billion.
- Since its launch in November 2022, Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy has been creating opportunities to expand trade and investment, grow good jobs and build supply chain resilience.
- In 2023, Indonesia was Canada’s 22nd-largest trading partner worldwide and third largest among Southeast Asian countries.
- In 2023, 2-way merchandise trade between Canada and Indonesia was valued at $5.1 billion, and Canadian merchandise exports to Indonesia were valued at $2.3 billion, making Indonesia Canada’s largest export market that year among ASEAN members.
- The Philippines represents Canada’s third-largest export market among ASEAN members. In 2023, Canada-Philippines 2-way merchandise trade was valued at $3.4 billion, and trade in services was valued at $2.6 billion.
- Team Canada Trade Missions help Canadian exporters and innovators expand and diversify their international business portfolios and reach into regions, strengthening their supply chains and facilitating long-term trade and investment opportunities that contribute to the growth of the Canadian economy.
- Canadian participants in these missions directly benefit from them, including by acquiring market intelligence, gaining access to key local interlocutors and having increased visibility and an increased profile in markets. Their past successes have included business agreements, sales contracts, strategic partnerships and greater representation in international markets.
