Asean–Canada trade pact, Indo-Pacific strategy to drive sustainable growth, says Wisma Putra

New Straits Times

10-07-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The synergy between the Asean–Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) and Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy has emerged as a significant catalyst for sustainable growth, regulatory alignment, and inclusive economic resilience.
Wisma Putra said Asean Foreign Ministers welcomed the positive momentum in ACAFTA negotiations, recognising its potential to deepen cooperation in emerging sectors such as digital trade, artificial intelligence, green technology and clean energy.
This followed the Asean Post-Ministerial Conference with Canada, co-chaired by Laos Foreign Minister Thongsavanh Phomvihane, in his capacity as Country Coordinator for Asean–Canada Dialogue Relations, and Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand.
The statement said that Canada's longstanding support for Asean's sustainability agenda was acknowledged, particularly in areas such as climate change, innovation and disaster management.
"Ministers underscored the importance of investing in future generations, citing the success of Canada's Scholarship and Educational Exchanges for Development (SEED) programme," it said.
The meeting also highlighted Canada's technical capabilities in energy transition and quantum technologies, with ministers expressing interest in strengthening collaboration through the Asean Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC).
They also looked forward to the adoption of the Asean–Canada Plan of Action (2026–2030) as a timely opportunity to chart a more ambitious course for future cooperation.
Asean also expressed appreciation for Canada's enduring partnership and constructive engagement over the years.
"The meeting reaffirmed both sides' commitment to advancing a forward-looking, inclusive agenda centred on peace, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
"As the region confronts increasingly complex challenges, Asean and Canada remain united in their pursuit of resilient, rules-based cooperation grounded in mutual respect and common purpose," the statement added.
On regional and international developments, Malaysia reiterated its deep concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for an immediate ceasefire.
The statement added that Malaysia emphasised the importance of upholding a fair and rules-based international order, grounded in international law and United Nations resolutions.
"Malaysia called on all parties to exercise restraint and stressed the need for a balanced, constructive approach in pursuit of lasting peace in the Middle East," it said.
The meeting is part of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related sessions, ahead of Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', which will feature 24 ministerial-level meetings, including engagements with Asean Dialogue and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.