Canada, ASEAN agree to deepen trade, investment ties at 15th AEM consultation

MANILA, 23 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Malaysia’s trade ties with Canada advanced at the Fifteenth ASEAN Economic Ministers-Canada (AEM-Canada) Consultation, held on 22 September 2026 in Manila, where officials reaffirmed commitments to deepen economic cooperation amid shifting global trade dynamics.

The meeting, co-chaired by Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, underscored Malaysia’s strategic role in ASEAN-Canada economic partnerships. Both sides emphasized trade facilitation, digital economy collaboration, and sustainable investment as key priorities, aligning with Malaysia’s push to diversify trade beyond traditional markets.

The consultation followed ASEAN’s 2026 trade growth targets, with Malaysia seeking stronger supply chain linkages and regulatory harmonization to attract Canadian investments in green technology and high-value manufacturing. Sidhu highlighted Canada’s interest in ASEAN’s Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), while Roque stressed the need for balanced trade rules to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in both regions.

The next steps include joint working groups on trade policy and e-commerce, with Malaysia poised to benefit from expanded market access for its electronics and palm oil sectors. The consultation concluded with a call for enhanced dialogue on critical minerals and clean energy, reflecting Canada’s push for sustainable trade partnerships in Asia.