Canada is diversifying its trade and striving to reach a free trade agreement with ASEAN by the end

Canada is diversifying its trade and security relationships, aiming to double its trade volume with countries outside the United States over the next decade and expects to reach a free trade agreement with ASEAN by the end of this year. During her visit to the U.S.-hosted G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting on Saturday (October 31), Canadian Foreign Minister Anand told Reuters that Canada is actively expanding cooperation with European, Asia-Pacific, and Middle Eastern countries, emphasizing the importance of building mutual trust.

The Trump administration's tariffs on Canadian goods have impacted Canada's economy. Prime Minister Trudeau previously committed to doubling trade with non-U.S. countries over the next decade. With the breakdown of U.S.-Canada trade negotiations, Ottawa has further accelerated talks on trade agreements with other nations.

Anand stated that Canada has concluded 20 new trade and security agreements with countries and organizations worldwide, covering more than 51 countries and approximately 1.5 billion consumers. She noted that Canada is the only G7 country with free trade agreements with all other G7 members and expects to reach a similar agreement with ASEAN by year-end.

Anand described Canada's approach as \"middle power diplomacy,\" which includes strengthening Arctic security cooperation with Nordic countries to address the growing Russian threat and working with India and Australia to safeguard personal privacy in artificial intelligence and technological innovation. Canada is also deepening its relationship with the European Union. A national security strategy released this week prioritizes critical minerals, energy, and food security.

Anand said the international order is undergoing significant changes, and countries need to establish new organizations, alliances, and partnerships to collectively address current crises. She also criticized Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's attendance at the G20 meeting, arguing it highlights the altered international order and existing fractures.