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Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement

On November 16, 2021, Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed to undertake free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 member states. As a group, ASEAN member state economies represent Canada’s fourth-largest merchandise trading partner (2021). In 2021, merchandise trade between Canada and ASEAN reached CAD$31.6 billion, and there is potential remaining to significantly enhance the relationship. According to the 2018 Joint Feasibility Study for a Canada-ASEAN FTA, the economic modelling projects that an FTA could increase Canada’s GDP by US$2.54 billion and boost exports to ASEAN countries to US$2.67 billion.

In order to enhance our commercial relations and strengthen our presence in this fast-growing market, Canada is committed to negotiating a comprehensive FTA with ASEAN. This agreement would help create new market opportunities for Canadian goods and services, while supporting a more transparent and predictable environment for trade and investment.

From September 1 to October 18, 2018, the Government of Canada conducted public consultations through The Canada Gazette to seek the views of Canadians on a possible FTA with ASEAN. On September 10, 2019, Canada and ASEAN announced the conclusion of exploratory discussions for a possible FTA at the ASEAN Economic Ministers – Canada Consultation in Bangkok, Thailand.

Canada and ASEAN held a first round of negotiations in August 2022, and a second round in November 2022. A third round is tentatively scheduled for March 2023.

Consulting Canadians

Related links

Additional information on Canada’s relationship with ASEAN countries

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