Canada-Indonesia Trade Deal & Nuclear Collaboration Amid Trump Presidency Concerns

Canada and Indonesia Reach Trade Agreement at APEC Summit

Ottawa has completed negotiations for a trade deal with Indonesia. This agreement signals Canada’s commitment to multilateralism as concerns about global cooperation rise with Donald Trump’s re-election in the United States.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced the conclusion of trade talks during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima. The new trade deal is expected to be signed next year, marking a significant step in Canada’s relations with the world’s fourth-most populous country.

Trump’s potential return to the White House casts a shadow over discussions at APEC, which focuses on enhancing trade among Pacific Rim nations. During his previous presidency, Trump withdrew from several multilateral agreements, including the Paris climate pact and the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, impacting many APEC members. His suggestion of a 10% across-the-board import tax on all goods raises alarms among trading partners.

Vina Nadjibulla from the Asia Pacific Foundation noted that APEC faces challenges like protectionism and geopolitical competition. She emphasized Trudeau’s efforts to maintain rules-based trade with similarly minded nations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly stated that Trump’s administration is enhancing Canada’s global influence. She highlighted Canada’s unique position to advise other countries on adapting to U.S. policies. Joly also anticipates Trump’s visit to Canada for the G7 leaders’ summit in Kananaskis, Alberta.

Joly’s recent meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken included discussions on finalizing a new Columbia River Treaty before Trump’s presidency begins. This treaty governs resource management along the Columbia River. Trump’s previous comments about relying on Canada to address water issues in the Western U.S. sparked speculations on potential challenges.

Experts expect Trudeau to engage in informal discussions with other leaders at APEC and the upcoming G20 summit in Brazil to navigate the Trump presidency. Trudeau’s past interactions with Trump may put him in a favorable position due to Canada’s geographical and political proximity.

Nadjibulla remarked that Trump’s re-election could lead to a diminished U.S. role in global institutions and increased tension with China over trade issues. Despite previously rocky relations, Canada aims to build a stronger partnership with the U.S. while addressing challenges like China’s influence in clean technology.

Indonesia, with a young population of 280 million, is keen on reducing carbon emissions. President Subianto praised Canada’s collaboration in various sectors, including digital trade and renewable energy, during the announcement of the trade talks’ conclusion.

At the APEC CEO summit, Trudeau discussed Canada’s interest in nuclear energy collaboration in Southeast Asia. He emphasized the need for substantial energy resources to support advancements in artificial intelligence. Ukraine plans to broaden knowledge of nuclear technology and support local markets.

Joly’s meeting with China’s foreign minister aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two nations. Topics included air transport and shared efforts against fentanyl. However, it remains uncertain whether Trudeau will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the summits.

This report by The Canadian Press first appeared on November 15, 2024.