ASEAN summit: Trudeau promises wave of funding

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), promising to invest nearly $330 million over five years in the region.

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Aimed at 10 countries in the Asian region, the Trade Gateway in Southeast Asia will allocate $24.1 million in initial financing to facilitate access for Canadian business leaders.

Other measures strengthen Canada’s presence in the region, such as the Common Fund for Oceans ($84.3 million), the Feminist International Assistance Policy – Financing for Development ($100 million) or the Indo-Pacific Engagement Initiative ($40 million).

During his announcement in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Mr. “Today more than ever, we must redouble our efforts in terms of cooperation,” Trudeau said Saturday.

“Earlier this week, Canada announced the upcoming launch of its Indo-Pacific Strategy. This is a serious strategy to deepen and strengthen our long-term engagement in the region,” he added.

“Canada’s focus right now is on getting the region to understand that we are a reliable partner. Canada is in the region, but not as much as it could be, and we’re trying to make that a priority,” Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said during a press scrum.