Vietnam and Canada elevated their bilateral relationship to a Strategic Partnership on Thursday, anchoring cooperation across eight pillars including trade, supply chains and clean energy, following a state visit by Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam. Read Here
The upgrade, sealed in a joint statement during To Lam’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa, marks the first visit to Canada by a Vietnamese Communist Party chief since diplomatic relations began in 1973.
Trade emerged as a central pillar of the new framework. Vietnam is Canada’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, and rapid growth in trade demonstrates the strength of the economic partnership between the two nations. Both governments reaffirmed support for concluding an ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement and for expanding the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which both countries have signed.
The statement also highlighted supply chain resilience, with both sides agreeing to strengthen maritime and aerospace transport links, cut emissions from shipping, and expand air cargo capacity following an expanded aviation agreement that will enable direct flights between the countries.
Also Read: Azerbaijan Launches $31M Textile Hub, Hydropower Plant
On manufacturing-adjacent sectors, the two nations pledged deeper cooperation on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, alongside commitments to labour rights and decent-work standards aligned with International Labour Organization norms — a point likely to draw attention from Vietnam’s export-driven garment and footwear industries, which rely heavily on compliant, diversified supply chains.
Agri-food and seafood trade between the two countries reached nearly CAN$1.7 billion in 2025, the statement noted, underscoring complementary strengths in agriculture.
Canada also welcomed Vietnam’s leadership chairing the CPTPP Commission in 2026 and its preparations to host APEC in 2027, pledging support for both roles.
Foreign ministries from both countries will now develop an action plan to implement the partnership’s objectives, the statement said.