Secretary-General of ASEAN Dr. Kao Kim Hourn met with Mr. Wayne Farmer, President of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta to discuss strengthening economic ties between Canada and ASEAN member states under the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026.
The meeting focused on exploring ways for Canadian private sector entities to support ASEAN’s strategic priorities, particularly in areas of trade, investment, and sustainable business practices. Both parties emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral engagement to foster inclusive economic growth across the region.
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn highlighted ASEAN’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for foreign investment, noting ongoing efforts to improve regulatory frameworks and digital infrastructure that could benefit Canadian businesses seeking to expand operations in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Wayne Farmer reiterated the Canada-ASEAN Business Council’s role as a key facilitator in connecting Canadian enterprises with opportunities in ASEAN markets, citing the council’s work in promoting dialogue, sharing market intelligence, and advocating for policies that enhance bilateral trade and investment flows.
The discussion also touched upon shared interests in innovation, clean energy transition, and supply chain resilience, with both sides expressing willingness to explore collaborative initiatives that align with ASEAN’s Comprehensive Recovery Framework and Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy.
This meeting follows a series of recent engagements between ASEAN leadership and Canadian officials, including a working dinner hosted by the Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN in February 2025 and another in January 2026, reflecting sustained diplomatic and economic outreach between the two parties.
The Canada-ASEAN Business Council continues to serve as a vital platform for advancing commercial relations, supporting business networking, and providing policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the economic partnership between Canada and the ten-member ASEAN bloc.