Canada signs ‘game-changing’ trade deal with Indonesia, new defence pact

[Dr Strangelove]

https://globalnews.ca/news/11449417/can ... agreement/

- Historic Trade Deal: Canada signed its first-ever bilateral trade agreement with a member of ASEAN—Indonesia, the world’s fourth most populous country.
- Tariff Reductions: Once fully implemented, over 95% of tariffs on Canadian exports to Indonesia will be reduced or eliminated, making Canadian goods more competitive.
- Defence Cooperation: A separate agreement will deepen collaboration on maritime security, cyber defence, peacekeeping, and military education.
- Strategic Importance: Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the deal’s role in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, aiming to boost regional stability and counterbalance China’s influence.
- Resource & Tech Collaboration: Indonesia is interested in Canadian expertise in critical minerals and nuclear energy, aligning with its efforts to move away from carbon dependency.
- Shared Values: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto praised Canada as a “responsible, mature, leading power of the West” with empathy for developing nations.