National

Trudeau to visit Indonesia, Singapore and India next week as Canada seeks trade deals

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 30 Aug, 2023 10:57 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is headed to Asia next week for a whirlwind tour of Indonesia, Singapore and India.

The trip involves the G20 leaders' summit in New Delhi, and a focus on economic ties in booming regions of Southeast Asia, as Canada seeks alternatives to a rising China.

In Jakarta, Trudeau will attend a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, where the group of 10 countries that will ratify a strategic-partnership agreement with Canada.

The next stop in Singapore will involve meeting with the city-state's head of government and business leaders to promote investment in Canada and Canadian exports.

Trudeau will then attend the G20 summit where he plans to focus on collaboration on climate change, reforming international finance for poorer states and energy security.

A news release suggests Trudeau is slated to spend just two days in each country, with a focus on boosting trade and affordability.

Ottawa is in negotiations for separate trade agreements with India, Indonesia and also ASEAN as a bloc.

At the G20, the Liberals say Trudeau will advocate for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, yet many members of the Group of 20 have opted against criticizing Moscow.

"Working collaboratively to tackle global crises while holding Russia accountable is essential to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the G20," a Wednesday news release from Trudeau's office says.

The summit's host, India, has been reluctant to discuss the issue in other G20 events this year, and declined request from countries like Canada to have Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attend the summit.

The Liberals are framing the trip around their Indo-Pacific strategy, which they released in November 2022 with the goal of seeking closer economic and defence ties with countries other than China.

Trade Minister Mary Ng is set to accompany Trudeau on the Indonesia and Singapore legs of his trip, but not in India.

That’s a wrap on the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting in India!

Gatherings like these are an opportunity for us to take stock of our shared priorities and address the challenges facing trade today. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/WWgoZtEDd0
— Mary Ng (@mary_ng) August 27, 2023

While here, I also met with business leaders at the Business 20 (B20) in Delhi. From clean tech innovators, to manufacturers, to chambers of commerce, to investment experts and many more, these businesses bring our trade agreements to life. (3/4) pic.twitter.com/2AHC27XiI6
— Mary Ng (@mary_ng) August 27, 2023

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care

Malcolmson says the money will be spread across regional health authorities to provide training and resources for health workers caring for people experiencing a mental health crisis, with the aim of reducing suicide deaths. Malcolmson's ministry says the provincial coroners service investigated 582 suicide deaths last year, down from 597 in 2020 and 634 in 2019.

B.C. adds $2 million for suicide prevention, care

B.C. seniors' financial support 'lowest in Canada'

Mackenzie says a report released by her office finds the province provides the lowest support for seniors in nine areas, including home support, eye exams, hearing aids and monthly supplements.

B.C. seniors' financial support 'lowest in Canada'

Ongoing homicide investigation leads to arrest on Canada-wide warrant of Arjun Purewal

A Canada-wide warrant was issued for Purewal late last month after he removed the ankle monitor he was wearing while on bail. He was awaiting sentencing for his part in a 2021 kidnapping in Richmond when he was last seen in Coquitlam on Aug. 26.

Ongoing homicide investigation leads to arrest on Canada-wide warrant of Arjun Purewal

Study links long COVID and autoimmune disease

Some long COVID patients suffering symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath are showing signs of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, suggests a Canadian study that builds on similar findings elsewhere.

Study links long COVID and autoimmune disease

Taxes on banks to raise billions: PBO

The documents calculated the expected revenues from the Canada Recovery Dividend and a proposed permanent increase to corporate taxes on banks and life insurance groups. The PBO said the dividend — a one-time 15 per cent windfall tax on banks and life insurers profits made during the pandemic — will generate $3 billion.

Taxes on banks to raise billions: PBO

B.C. report notes ways to curb prolific offenders

There are more than two dozen recommendations in their report aimed at the provincial prosecution service and the courts, saying it isn’t sustainable for police to continue to bear the main responsibility to manage prolific offenders. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth says the government will start with the return of a prolific offenders management program.