By Canadian Press

As ASEAN Summit wraps, Trudeau says Canada needs to keep showing up in Southeast Asia

Oct 11, 2024 | 2:58 AM

VIENTIANE — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada needs to keep up its presence in Southeast Asia if it wants to benefit from the region’s economic boom.

Trudeau wrapped up a visit to Laos on Friday after taking part in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit for the third time.

The prime minister says pursuing bonds with ASEAN members is not about political ideology or leaving a government footprint, but rather it’s about acknowledging the economic opportunities.

Trudeau announced a $128-million package of funding at the summit, with the majority of the money going toward environmental protection and combating climate change.

The visit to Laos comes as Canada works toward a free-trade deal with the 10-nation bloc and a separate deal with Indonesia.

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ASEAN countries together represented Canada’s fourth-largest trading partner last year, and trade with the region has nearly doubled since 2015.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 11, 2024.

Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press