KUALA LUMPUR, Sunday, October 26, 2025 : Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accelerating progress on the Canada-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA) during the ASEAN Summit, emphasizing the immense potential of Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding markets.
Carney described the ASEAN region as a $5 trillion economy, highlighting it as one of the most dynamic and promising economic frontiers in the world.\
“AT THE ASEAN SUMMIT, WE’RE WORKING TO FAST-TRACK THE CANADA-ASEAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT AND OPEN NEW MARKETS FOR CANADIAN WORKERS AND BUSINESSES,” HE SAID. “SOUTHEAST ASIA REPRESENTS MASSIVE OPPORTUNITIES — AND WE’RE HERE TO SEIZE THEM.”
The proposed FTA aims to strengthen economic, trade, and investment ties between Canada and the ten ASEAN member states, paving the way for enhanced cooperation in technology, manufacturing, green energy, and digital commerce.
The initiative also aligns with Canada’s broader Indo-Pacific Strategy, which focuses on diversifying trade partnerships, promoting sustainable economic growth, and bolstering supply chain resilience.
Regional analysts noted that Canada’s engagement with ASEAN could unlock substantial benefits for both sides, including job creation, innovation exchange, and expanded access to global markets.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that Canadian and ASEAN negotiators are expected to intensify technical discussions over the coming months, with the goal of concluding the agreement within the next two years.
