Canada, Vietnam seek broader trade cooperation

The issue was discussed at a meeting in Hanoi between Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung and Canadian ambassador to Vietnam Jim Nickel.

Canada and Vietnam have agreed to further strengthen economic and trade ties as well as supply chain connectivity amid growing global uncertainties.
The issue was discussed at a meeting between Minister of Industry and Trade Le Manh Hung and Canadian ambassador to Vietnam Jim Nickel, who highlighted Vietnam’s growing role in global supply chains.
The two sides discussed talks on the ASEAN-Canada FTA.

Bilateral trade has doubled over the past four years, rising by 18.8 per cent year on year to $8.6 billion in 2025.

Nickel highlighted Vietnam’s growing role in global supply chains, describing the country as a reliable supplier of goods to Canada which, in turn, has strengths in energy, critical minerals and agricultural products, according to a Vietnamese media outlet.

The ambassador also commended on Vietnam’s role as chair of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in 2026, host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2027, and its ASEAN rotating chairmanship later.

The two sides agreed to work closely on preparations for the third meeting of the Vietnam-Canada Joint Economic Committee and a bilateral business forum scheduled for early June 2026 in Canada.

The Vietnamese minister stressed that both countries’ participation in the CPTPP has generated practical benefits, helping boost trade, investment, business connectivity and supply chain linkages.

The two sides discussed negotiations on the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA). Hung expressed confidence that once concluded and signed, the agreement will create fresh momentum for economic, trade and investment cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Canada.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)