Thursday October 30, 2025 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The other side of the world seems far away.
But Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has been bringing it a bit closer — meeting there with leaders of various countries, hoping to stir up trade connections and find paths to economic diversification for Canadian businesses abroad.
In the past few days, Carney has been to Malaysia and Singapore for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and to South Korea (Republic of Kore) for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting.
Last night he had dinner with APEC Leaders, seated at the same table as US President Donald Trump (across from Trump – reportedly no conversation between the two).
Today Carney interfaced with leaders from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. He will also have a meeting with the President of China, Xi Jinping.
Over the past few days he has also met with leaders of Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
In South Korea, he toured a defence manufacturing facility in Gyeongju.
Some of Carney’s remarks have mentioned defence, but also energy (e.g. LNG) and food security.
Media on these trips:
Canadians should appreciate the work of Canadian journalists who accompany any Canadian prime minister on foreign trips. As a result, the population here at home gets photos, video coverage, and information from media sessions.
The Prime Minister’s office provides media with media advisories, statements and readouts.
Budget next week:
This trade mission to southeast Asia comes before the 2025 federal budget, set for release on November 4.
Trade diversification is a key focus of the Carney Liberal government as one way to stabilize Canada’s economy going forward, now that dependence on the United States for economic strength has been diminished.
Based on politics of the election, the first sessions of the 45th Parliament and several budget pre-announcements in recent weeks, the budget is anticipated to be a mix of austerity and investment, trade diversification and strengthening economic capabilities at home.
===== RELATED:
- Carney meets Xi about trade issues, accepts invitation to meet again (October 31, 2025)
- Carney’s press conference in Malaysia: trade, economic and security partnerships (October 27, 2025)
- Carney ready to work with US, continues trade diversification in Asia-Pacific (October 26, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: 45th PARLIAMENT of CANADA | EDITORIALS | CANADA-NATIONAL | CANADA-USA | BUDGET 2025