Asean, Canada agree to double trade to Bt675 bn
Asean economic ministers and the Canada-Asean Business Council (CABC) concluded a consultation meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday and came up with a target to double Asean-Canada trade in 2020 from 19 billion Canadian dollars (Bt675 billion) currently.
Malaysian International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed, who chaired the meeting, said the target was achievable given Canada’s growing interest in the region.
"A five-year road map for economic cooperation between Asean and Canada was also approved at the meeting. The priority will be to develop the region’s small and medium enterprises.
"We want the road map, which begins next year, to be aligned with the ‘Asean Vision 2025’, and Canada has indicated its willingness to increase participation in the capacity-building of Asean SMEs in various sectors, including technology," he said.
Also present at the meeting, held alongside the 47th Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings, were Canadian Deputy International Trade Minister Christine Hogan, Asean secretary-general Le Luong Minh and CABC president Wayne Farmer. – Bernama
