BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – ASEAN has begun free trade talks with Canada, which could lead to an agreement that would add US$39.4 billion to the ASEAN economy.
After a virtual meeting co-chaired by Brunei and Canada on Wednesday, ministers issued a joint statement highlighting the potential for a free trade agreement to help diversify supply chains, increase trade and investment, and reinforce Canada and ASEAN’s shared commitment to open markets and rules-based trade.
The ministers also tasked officials with developing a work plan to take forward the negotiations as soon as possible. It would be the first ASEAN FTA with North America, giving Southeast Asian nations access to a market of 38 million people.
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November 27, 2021
