Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Laos this week to meet with southeast Asian leaders—the Liberal government’s latest effort to strengthen Canada’s ties in a region with strong Chinese influence.
The visit on Thursday and Friday marks the third consecutive time Trudeau has attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, and one year since Canada established a strategic partnership with the regional bloc.
The association represents Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Government officials say Canada is increasing its presence in the region to build credibility as a reliable economic partner, noting ASEAN is one of the fastest growing economic regions with member states representing Canada’s fourth largest merchandise trading partner last year….