Justin Trudeau focused on economy at ASEAN summit [Video]

Vientiane, Laos –

In Laos, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pursues closer economic ties with the 10 nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the widening global conflict will linger on the margin of the summit like a spectre that can’t be ignored.

The biannual summit is being held in the capital city of Vientiane, and marks Trudeau’s first official visit to Laos. The theme of this year’s summit is to build a “Connected and Resilient Community.”

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As the chair country, Laos is focused on narrowing the development gap by strengthening ASEAN’s relations with its external partners.

According to data from the Prime Minister’s Office, ASEAN is Canada’s fourth largest trading partner. In 2023, more than $38.8 billion flowed in bilateral trade between Canada and the economic block which includes fast growing economies such as Vietnam, …