Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced new trade, economic and defence agreements during his first official trip to the Indo-Pacific region.
Carney wrapped up his visit in South Korea, where he attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders’ meeting in Gyeongju.
He said Canada must diversify its economy and reduce reliance on a single trade partner, with a goal of doubling non-U.S. exports over the next decade.
During the visit, Carney and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung unveiled a new security and defence partnership.
It is the first agreement of its kind for Canada in the Indo-Pacific and will expand cooperation in areas such as cyber, space and emerging threats, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
The two countries also finalized an information‑sharing agreement to support joint work on procurement, industrial security and research.
Carney also announced a Team Canada trade mission to Korea in 2026 and confirmed Canada has offered to host APEC in 2029.
In meetings with other leaders, Carney and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launched free trade talks between Canada and Thailand.
With Chilean President Gabriel Boric, Canada signed a renewed partnership framework covering critical minerals, clean energy, wildfire management and digital technologies.
Carney also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The two leaders agreed to work on resolving trade disputes involving canola, seafood and electric vehicles, and discussed possible cooperation in energy, agriculture, climate change and finance.
Xi invited Carney to visit China at a later date.
On the margins of APEC, Carney met with Korean business leaders to promote Canadian opportunities in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, critical minerals and energy.
He also toured the Hanwha Ocean Shipyard, a finalist for Canada’s Patrol Submarine Project.
Carney said the Indo-Pacific region presents “enormous opportunities” for Canadian workers and businesses.
“The world is changing fast, and Canada must bet big – on our people, our ideas, and our future,” he said.
