Ambra Dickie, Ambassador of the Mission of Canada to ASEAN

Message

Welcome to the Mission of Canada to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)!

As Canada’s fourth Ambassador to ASEAN, it is my pleasure to continue to nurture the strong and dynamic relationship between Canada and ASEAN.

Canada is proud to be a committed partner to ASEAN. Our relationship is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a deep belief in multilateralism. Since Canada became a Strategic Partner to ASEAN in 2023, we have worked hard to ensure that our partnership creates meaningful, tangible, and sustained benefits for both Canada and ASEAN.

This is why I am very excited about the ongoing negotiations towards an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA). As a bloc, ASEAN is Canada’s fourth-largest merchandise trading partner. ACAFTA has the potential to significantly increase trade and create many opportunities for Canadian and ASEAN businesses. This, in turn, will boost economic security for both Canada and Southeast Asia. The conclusion of these negotiations remains a top priority for Canada in ASEAN, along with increasing mutually beneficial sectoral collaboration with ASEAN, including on digital economy, energy, and food security.

Canada works closely with ASEAN to address pressing regional and global security challenges. Through active participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum, Canada contributes to dialogue and cooperation on issues such as maritime security, counterterrorism, and cybersecurity. Canada’s hallmark Mitigation of Biological Threats Program supports ASEAN Member States in strengthening biosafety, biosecurity, and pandemic preparedness. Canada is proud to support ASEAN’s disaster risk resilience efforts through strategic partnerships with the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre), advancing climate-resilient communities and inclusive disaster preparedness and response. These efforts reflect Canada’s commitment to building a safer, more resilient region through practical collaboration and shared expertise.

Canada and ASEAN’s close people-to-people ties continue to grow. Through the Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED), the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund that focuses on providing Canadian technical assistance in energy, digital, and agriculture sectors, and the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives, Canada is investing in life-long learning, supporting sustainable development, and driving increased inclusive economic growth.

This Mission serves as a vital bridge between Canada and ASEAN. Our team is dedicated to advancing Canada’s engagement in the region, supporting Canadian interests, and fostering meaningful connections that benefit both sides. We are proud to contribute to a partnership that is both forward-looking and grounded in a shared commitment to peace, prosperity, and friendship.

I invite you to explore this site to learn more about our work, our priorities, and the vibrant relationship between Canada and ASEAN. Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to continuing this important journey together!

Ambra Dickie, Ambassador of the Mission of Canada to ASEAN