Vietnam's top leader To Lam visits Ottawa to boost trade and strategic ties
Vietnamese President and Communist Party chief To Lam arrived in Ottawa for a state visit aimed at deepening trade and diplomatic cooperation with Canada.
Vietnam’s most senior politician, President To Lam, who also serves as the Communist Party general secretary, is in Ottawa for a high-level state visit. His agenda includes meetings with Governor General Louise Arbour, Prime Minister Mark Carney and several legislators, marking the first time Vietnam’s top leader has visited Canada. Experts note that despite differing political systems, both countries share a goal of building resilience by diversifying trade and reducing reliance on any single power.
The visit builds on a 2017 agreement covering diplomacy, investment, defence and academia, with both sides seeking to elevate it to a strategic partnership that could involve joint work on maritime security and supply-chain issues. Canada hopes to seal a broader free-trade agreement with ASEAN nations, and Carney is planning a November trip to the Philippines that may include a stop in Vietnam. The dialogue also touches on concerns about forced-labour links in supply chains and Vietnam’s role in the CPTPP, underscoring the growing importance of middle-power cooperation.
Why it matters
The meeting could reshape Canada-Vietnam trade and security ties, influencing supply-chain diversification amid great-power competition.
How this story developed
- Sep 9 ASEAN leaders warn connectivity alone won’t bridge emerging AI divide
- Sep 16 The Malaysian government is consulting Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air about taking over AirAsia's domestic market share as the low-cost carrier faces financial strain.
- Sep 18 AirAsia announced a US$1 billion fundraising effort on the international debt market.
- Sep 20 India and Thailand met to assess accelerating the ASEAN‑India trade pact review.
- Sep 20 The Philippines and Canada reported that the fourth round of talks resolved the biggest sticking points in their pending free trade agreement. Both sides said only a small number of minor issues remain, to be addressed through follow-up meetings and virtual discussions in the coming months. The progress puts the pact on track for completion before the end of the year.
- Sep 22 In the August WEF survey of 36 chief economists, more than 60 % predict income growth in India and South-East Asia, contrasting with expectations of flat or falling real incomes elsewhere. Respondents also foresee higher household costs, especially for food, electricity and transport. Indian economists warned the optimism may be short-lived, citing rising retail inflation and vulnerable food prices, and highlighted the influence of oil prices and government buffering on future wages.
- Sep 22 EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic and Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced a significant milestone in their free‑trade negotiations.
- Sep 23 Malaysia’s GDP expansion forecast was added to the outlook.
- Sep 24 ASEAN held separate meetings with Japan and South Korea trade ministers in Manila.
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