Canada and Vietnam elevate ties to a strategic partnership
Ottawa seeks to diversify trade as regional negotiations remain unfinished.
Carried forward 2026-09-29. Report on the partnership announced September 24.
September 26 correction: the CityNews article is by The Canadian Press, not Associated Press.
Canada and Vietnam elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership during Vietnamese General Secretary and President To Lam’s visit to Ottawa on September 24. [2]
The framework covers trade, investment, supply chains, digital technologies, energy and agri-food. The leaders also reaffirmed support for a Canada-ASEAN free-trade agreement. [3]
The Canadian government describes Vietnam as its largest merchandise trading partner in ASEAN and says bilateral trade has doubled in five years. An expanded air-transport agreement is also expected to permit direct passenger and cargo flights. [1]
The partnership sets cooperation priorities but is not itself a new free-trade agreement. Commercial gains will depend on negotiations and implementation. [2]
Perspectives compared
The relationship moves to a strategic partnership covering eight areas. [3]
Trade, supply chains and the Canada-ASEAN agreement are central to the rapprochement. [3]
The move is part of diversification efforts, but results remain to be delivered. [2]
Sources and documents
- [1] Prime Minister of Canada ↗September 24, 2026
- [2] The Canadian Press — Dylan Robertson / CityNews ↗September 24, 2026; updated September 25
- [3] Canada–Vietnam — joint statement ↗September 24, 2026