British News Agency

Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said that Canada is continuing its efforts to conclude a free trade agreement with ASEAN this year.

Anand said, “Canada is working to conclude a free trade agreement with ASEAN this year.” Anand stated that the agreement would pave the way for increased trade and investment in one of the world's fastest-growing regions.

Noting that bilateral trade between Canada and ASEAN has reached C$52 billion, Anand said that such an agreement would facilitate Canadian companies' access to Southeast Asian markets.

Anand noted that cooperation between Canada and ASEAN covers not only trade but also areas such as regional security, combating cybercrime, financial crime and scam centers, as well as protecting biodiversity.