The Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) attended this year's 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting and Related Meetings in Semarang, Indonesia from August 17-22, 2023.
The CABC started its engagement this year by participating in the 22nd ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Joint Business Council Meeting. To bolster Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy and support Indonesia's ASEAN Chair, the CABC participated actively in accelerating private sector engagement. This involved hosting impactful events, facilitating cross-regional delegations, participating in ASEAN-BAC Working Groups, and collaborating with high-level partners for collective advocacy.
On August 20, the CABC presented recommendations at the 12th AEM-Canada Consultation. The Meeting recognized insights provided by the CABC, particularly in areas such as liberalization, business and investment movement, food security, energy transition, and digital economy progression. The CABC delegation was led by CABC President Wayne Farmer, Executive Director Nicky Lung, and Patron & Sustainability Partner, Manulife, Yan Hai, Vice President, Head of Regulatory and Public Affairs Asia.
At the meeting, the CABC presented suggestions representing the Canadian private sector to enhance collaboration between Canada and ASEAN. The CABC emphasized the importance of fostering increased partnerships between the two for advancements in energy transition, digital economy growth, agricultural and food security, financial services and investment, infrastructure development, and sustainability initiatives.
The CABC has served as the leading voice of the Canadian private sector since its establishment over a decade ago, having roots in the ASEAN Economic Minister’s (AEM)-Canada Consultation itself. We are steadfast in advocating increased trade and investment through a Canada-ASEAN FTA and other agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The CABC thanks our members, Global Affairs Canada, the ASEAN Secretariat, the ASEAN Member States (AMS), and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia as the 2023 ASEAN Chair for their support and partnership of our mission in driving deeper Canada-ASEAN relations. The Council looks forward to working with the Lao People's Democratic Republic as the 2024 ASEAN Chair.
Read the AEM Joint Media Statement [here]
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