Canada's strategy for the Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific region is of significant importance to Canada. Home to more than two thirds of the global population, it is the fastest-growing economic region in the world.
As a Pacific nation, Canada recognizes that the Indo-Pacific region is critically important for the long-term prosperity, health and security of Canadians. Beyond our 25,000 km of Pacific Ocean coastline, Canadians share history, culture, and long-standing trade and development ties with the people of the Indo-Pacific.
The Indo-Pacific Strategy will advance and defend Canada’s interests by supporting a more secure, prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable region while protecting Canada’s national and economic security at home and abroad. Our long-term approach is focused on Canada’s commitment to supporting democracy, the rule of law, economic growth and resilience, peace and security, human rights, sustainable development, gender equality, and concrete action to protect the environment.
Quick facts about the Indo-Pacific region
- 50% of world GDP by 2040
- 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions
- 65% of world’s population
- 67% of world’s Indigenous peoples
- 37% of the world’s poor
- 1 in 5 Canadians have family ties to the region
- PRC, Japan, India, ROK, Australia: 5 of the region's largest economies
- US$29.3T combined GDP of top 5 compared to US$17.2T for whole EU-27
Promoting peace, resilience and security
Canada is working closely with its partners and allies to ensure the safety of Canadians and support security and respect for international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, across the Indo-Pacific.
Through the Strategy, Canada will invest in an enhanced military presence, along with intelligence and cyber security, to promote security in the region and safeguard Canadians at home against foreign interference and cyber threats. To help achieve these goals, Canada will leverage its women, peace, and security agenda and its established security partnerships in the region.
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Expanding trade, investment and supply-chain resilience
The Indo-Pacific is a critical hub for trade, investment, and production.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy will contribute to deepening Canada’s economic partnerships and expanding its trade, investment, and commercial ties with the Indo-Pacific region. To this end, Canada will create opportunities for businesses to expand market access, diversify supply chains, secure productive investments, promote competitive business opportunities, and foster a more open, predictable and sustainable regional economic order.
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Investing in and connecting people
Investing in ties between Canadians and the people of the Indo-Pacific lies at the heart of our Indo-Pacific strategy. Canada is deeply connected to the region and will continue to strengthen its cultural and people-to-people ties.
Canada will improve its visa-processing capacity and increase education exchange opportunities to make it easier for families and students to visit. Canada is also expanding its feminist international assistance and will continue to defend human rights through partnerships with Canadian civil society and partners in the region.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy will support Indigenous leaders as they grow and deepen networks in the region across areas of collaboration that match the priorities of their communities.
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Building a sustainable and green future
Tackling climate change requires global solutions, and a climate-stable planet is dependent on everyone working together. The Indo-Pacific produces more than half of global emissions and includes many rapidly industrializing economies that will have a significant impact on our shared environment. We need everyone to be part of the solution, and we need to make sure that the move toward a net-zero-emissions economy creates shared economic prosperity. Canada will support the Indo-Pacific region in its transition to a low-carbon footprint and clean energy.
Canada will share its expertise in clean tech, ocean management, energy transition, and climate and disaster risk-resilience finance and will work collaboratively with all partners in the region to reduce emissions and prevent further environmental degradation, including biodiversity loss.
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Canada as an active and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific
Canada is committed to being an even more active, engaged and reliable partner in the Indo-Pacific.
Canada will work toward deepening its existing relationships and forging new connections. Canada will offer more diplomatic, economic, military, and technological support and answer the call from regional partners for deeper engagement.
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