Canada needs to keep up its presence in Southeast Asia if it wants to benefit from the region’s economic boom, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday as he wrapped up his visit to Laos.
Trudeau participated in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit this week, marking the third time he’s attended the annual meeting.
The prime minister said pursuing bonds with ASEAN members is not about political ideology or leaving a government footprint, but rather it’s about acknowledging the economic opportunities in the region.
But to benefit from what Southeast Asia has to offer, Trudeau said Canadians need to make their presence felt in the region.
“That’s really a big piece of the challenge, making sure that we are showing up,” Trudeau said in a news conference on Friday.
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“Showing up as leader, yes, but more importantly, showing up as businesses on trade missions, building those connections, making the investments in more maritime security presence and …