March 29, 2024 – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, has concluded her visit to Vietnam as part of the Team Canada Trade Mission to Malaysia and Vietnam. As a key initiative under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, these missions provide opportunities for companies, both Canadian and local, to establish valuable connections with key players.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Minister Ng highlighted the fifth anniversary of the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in Vietnam. As a result of the agreement, bilateral trade has increased between the 2 countries and doors have opened for Canadian businesses in Vietnam. The Minister also encouraged the trade mission delegates to learn more about CPTPP-related customs requirements to help increase Canadian exports to Vietnam. She also discussed Canada’s commitment to strengthening commercial relations with Vietnam by building on the momentum of the trade mission, including through advancing negotiations towards an ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement.

During her visit, Minister Ng observed the meaningful contribution made by Canadian companies operating on the Vietnamese market. From promoting the economic empowerment of women and girls through “Code Like a Girl” tournaments, to providing technology that stabilizes electricity distribution across Vietnam’s largest city, Canadian companies are making a lasting impact.

The Minister also witnessed the extension of the partnership between CAE Inc., a Canadian aerospace company taking part in the mission, and Vietnam Airlines. The agreement extends the partnership for an extra five years allowing for CAE’s flight simulators to continue to be used for pilot training by Vietnam Airlines.

Minister Ng heard how Canadian companies are seizing growing opportunities in Vietnam’s energy sector to support the transition to clean energy and the country’s net-zero goals. The launch of a collaborative relationship between four Canadian companies taking part in the mission and one of Vietnam’s largest energy companies is a great example of how the mission targets priority sectors in Vietnam, such as clean technologies, for Canadian businesses to grow. 

The Minister also announced the opening of Export Development Canada’s first office in Vietnam. The new office will help Canadian exporters and investors navigate and benefit from the fast-growing Indo-Pacific market.

While in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Minister Ng took part in a series of bilateral meetings. The conversational topics included the CPTPP, trade diversification, the ASEAN-Canada free trade agreement negotiations and the unlocking of untapped potential for Canadian businesses in Vietnam.