September 26 2025 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Global Affairs Canada

This week, Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade and to the Secretary of State (International Development), concluded his participation in the Fourteenth Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers-Canada Consultation, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

During the consultation, the Parliamentary Secretary highlighted the progress Canada and ASEAN member states have made toward a free trade agreement and underscored the importance of efforts to conclude negotiations as soon as possible in 2026.

At the meeting, the Parliamentary Secretary and ASEAN partners highlighted the increased trade and economic cooperation between Canada and ASEAN member states since the launch of the Strategic Partnership 2 years ago, in line with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.

During his visit to Malaysia, Parliamentary Secretary Naqvi met with business leaders and spoke at the Canada-ASEAN Business Council Forum (CABC). He highlighted Canada as a trusted and reliable trading partner and recognized CABC’s leadership in increasing linkages between Canadian and ASEAN businesses.

He also hosted a nuclear energy roundtable with Malaysian officials, strengthening Canada’s connections and expanding its trade and investment in this sector. He visited the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) launched in 2024, an initiative Canada is proud to support as it strengthens cybersecurity partnerships and expertise in the Indo-Pacific through skills training.

Finally, during his visit, Parliamentary Secretary Naqvi met with several international partners to discuss trade and investment priorities of mutual interest, including: ASEAN Secretary General, Malaysia, India, Brunei, Cambodia, The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Philippines, Timor Leste, Australia, the European Union, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the UK.