Jakarta: The launch of negotiations for an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was officially announced at the 10th ASEAN Economic Ministers – Canada Consultation held on Wednesday.
The launch of negotiations illustrates the growing depth of ASEAN-Canada economic ties and the importance that each side places on deepening the bilateral relationship.
This also represents a significant milestone in the ASEAN-Canada relationship and a meaningful step in Canada’s renewed commitment to trade and economic engagement in the region.
"The FTA would strengthen ASEAN-Canada economic relations, connect ASEAN closer to the global value chains, and improve market access for both ASEAN and Canadian firms," Secretary General of ASEAN Dato Lim Jock Hoi said in a press release on Wednesday.
The announcement builds on strong economic relations between ASEAN and Canada, which has witnessed a steady growth since the establishment of the official dialogue relationship in 1977.
In the past year, bilateral trade relations between the two sides remained strong despite the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy.
According to Canada’s statistics, in 2020 total two-way merchandise trade was valued at USD 19.9 billion, reflecting a slight decrease of 2.4% year-on-year.
At the end of 2020, the stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) from Canada to ASEAN Member States reached USD 12.5 billion, an increase of 11.7% year-on-year, while the stock of FDI from ASEAN Member States to Canada was USD 1.2 billion, a decrease of 0.9% year-on-year.
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