Canada advancing its 'middle power' strategy with new trade deals, Anand says
ATLANTA: Canada is making rapid progress in diversifying its trade and security ties globally, with a goal of doubling its non-US trade over the next decade, Foreign Minister Anita Anand said on Saturday, as Ottawa emphasises trust in building new relationships outside North America.
Canada is rapidly diversifying its trade and security alliances globally, with the aim of doubling its non-US trade over the next ten years, according to Foreign Minister Anita Anand. Speaking at a US-hosted Group of 20 foreign ministers meeting, Anand highlighted the transformed and fractured nature of the international order, emphasizing the need for new approaches and partnerships.
The meeting coincidentally featured Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who Anand criticized for his participation. Canada's Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has vowed to double non-US trade within a decade, as trade ties with the US have been affected by President Donald Trump's tariffs. In response, Canada is pursuing trade deals with countries in Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.
Anand explained that this strategy is part of Canada's "middle power diplomacy," focusing on Arctic safety, AI privacy, and critical minerals, energy, and food security. Canada is also expanding its ties with the European Union, with a new national security strategy emphasizing these areas. Ottawa has established 20 new security and trade agreements, granting access to 1.5 billion consumers across more than 51 countries.
Canada is the only Group of Seven country with free trade agreements with all other G7 members and is expected to conclude similar deals with Asean before the year's end.
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