July 20, 2206 – Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
Senior government officials, business leaders, academics, and trade policy experts from across the Indo-Pacific and Europe gathered in Ho Chi Minh City today for the CPTPP–EU Trade Forum, a high-level dialogue examining how closer cooperation between the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the European Union can strengthen economic resilience, reinforce rules-based trade, and unlock new opportunities for businesses.
Co-organised by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam (MoIT) and the Embassy of Canada to Vietnam, the forum brought together senior representatives from Canada, Viet Nam, Japan, Singapore, and the European Union to discuss practical pathways for greater regulatory cooperation, digital trade interoperability, supply chain resilience, and investment facilitation.
Held at a time of increasing geopolitical fragmentation and evolving trade dynamics, the forum explored how middle-power economies can work together to safeguard an open, inclusive, and a rules-based international trading system.
The programme featured keynote addresses from Canada’s Senior CPTPP Official, Ms. Mary-Catherine Speirs, and Viet Nam’s Deputy Director General and Senior CPTPP Official Mr. Ngo Chung Khanh, alongside three panel discussions examining the strategic case for CPTPP–EU alignment, economic security, and translating trade agreements into commercial outcomes.
QUOTE – H.E. Jim Nickel
“At a time of growing uncertainty in the global economy, Canada and Viet Nam share a strong interest in building more resilient, diversified, and sustainable trade relationships. This Forum brings together leaders from government, business, and academia to explore practical solutions that strengthen economic cooperation and unlock new opportunities across CPTPP and European Union economies. Canada’s growing trade partnership with Viet Nam demonstrates the value of open, rules-based trade and strong international collaboration in building a more resilient and prosperous future.”
The discussions highlighted Viet Nam’s unique position as one of the few economies that is party to both the CPTPP and the EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), placing it at the intersection of two of the world’s most ambitious trade architectures.
Participants also explored opportunities to deepen cooperation in priority areas identified through the inaugural CPTPP–EU Trade and Investment Dialogue, including digital trade, sustainable trade, investment, and resilient supply chains.
QUOTE – Barrett Bingley
“The trade and investment flows of tomorrow will not be defined by the largest economies alone. It will be shaped by countries willing to work together to strengthen trust, build resilient supply chains, and uphold a rules-based trading system. By fostering dialogue across governments, business, and academia, today’s forum demonstrates the growing leadership of Canada and Viet Nam in advancing that vision while creating practical pathways for closer cooperation between the CPTPP and the European Union.”
The forum underscored the growing importance of practical collaboration between governments, businesses, and research institutions as economies seek to diversify trade relationships, reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, and adapt to an increasingly complex global landscape.
Throughout the day, participants exchanged perspectives on how greater interoperability between CPTPP and EU frameworks could reduce barriers for businesses while preserving high standards for digital governance, sustainability, and investment.
QUOTE – Mr. Ngô Chung Khanh
“As Chair of the CPTPP in 2026, Viet Nam will seek to engage the business community to be more closely involved in shaping the next stage of cooperation with stronger and more regular connections among businesses, chambers of commerce, research institutions and government agencies across CPTPP and European economies. Policy dialogue is important. But commercial relationships are ultimately built between people and companies.“
The event was supported by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam, with communications support from the British Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam, the Australian Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam, and the Singapore Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam.
As Canada and Viet Nam continue to strengthen their economic partnership under the CPTPP, the forum reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing an open, resilient, and rules-based international trading system through practical cooperation and sustained dialogue.
– ENDS –
About Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada)
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is an independent, not-for-profit public institution dedicated to strengthening Canada’s engagement with Asia and deepening Asia’s connection to Canada. With its headquarters in Vancouver, Canada, and its Asia Regional Office based in Singapore, APF Canada acts as a bridge between Canadian and Asian governments, businesses, and academic institutions, promoting inclusive growth, resilient partnerships, and innovation across the Indo-Pacific. Through advanced policy research, strategic gatherings, and targeted programmes in trade, sustainability, security, climate action, education, and regional co-operation, APF Canada aims to enhance economic relations and foster people-to-people links between Asia and Canada.
For more information, visit www.asiapacific.ca.
About the Asia Regional Office
APF Canada’s Asia Regional Office in Singapore, officially opened on October 15, 2025, establishes a physical presence for APF Canada in the Indo-Pacific and reflects the Foundation’s commitment to deepening Canada’s engagement across the wider region. The office is a core component of APF Canada’s Indo-Pacific Initiative, a comprehensive suite of new programs and activities supported by the Government of Canada through its Indo-Pacific Strategy. The office’s events, conferences, workshops, and collaborative initiatives are designed to foster dialogue, enhance trade, attract investment opportunities, and address critical policy issues in Canada-Asia relations.
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Media Contact
Jahafar Abdullah
Marketing & Communications Manager
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Jahafar.abdullah@asiapacific.ca