Canada launches Indo-Pacific Strategy to support long-term growth, prosperity, and security for Canadians
News release
November 27, 2022 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Global Affairs CanadaAs a Pacific nation, Canada recognizes that the Indo-Pacific region will play a significant and profound role in Canada’s future. Every issue that matters to Canadians—national security, economic prosperity, respect for international law and human rights, democratic values, public health, protecting our environment—will be shaped by the relationships that Canada, along with its partners, have with countries throughout the Indo-Pacific. Decisions made in the region will impact Canadians for generations, and it is critical that Canada be at the table.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today launched Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. This strategy presents a comprehensive road map to deepen our engagement in the Indo-Pacific over the next decade, increasing our contributions to regional peace and security, strengthening economic growth and resilience, enhancing our significant people-to-people ties, and supporting sustainable development across the region.
The central tenet of the Indo-Pacific Strategy is acting in Canada’s national interests, while defending our values. It positions Canada as a reliable partner to the region, now and into the future. It is an ambitious plan, beginning with an investment of almost $2.3 billion over the next five years.
This whole-of-society strategy puts forward how Canada intends to actively work with allies and partners to shape the future of the region, in the midst of a generational global shift.
3. Investing in and connecting people
To forge stronger people-to-people ties with the Indo-Pacific, Canada will contribute $261.7 million. This includes, but is not limited to:
- $100 million in Feminist International Assistance Policy development funding to support the Indo-Pacific;
- $74.6 million to enhance Canada’s visa processing capacity within Canada’s centralized network as well as in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Islamabad, and Manila to support stronger peoples-to-people ties.
Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Indo-Pacific: A new horizon of opportunity
Global importance of the Indo-Pacific region
The Indo-Pacific region will play a critical role in shaping Canada’s future over the next half-century. Encompassing 40 economies, over four billion people and $47.19 trillion in economic activity, it is the world’s fastest growing-region and home to six of Canada’s top 13 trading partners. The Indo-Pacific region represents significant opportunities for growing the economy here at home, as well as opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses for decades to come.The Indo-Pacific
The Indo-Pacific comprises 40 countries and economies: Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, the Pacific Island Countries (14), Pakistan, People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Philippines, Republic of Korea (ROK), Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam.- 50% of world GDP by 2040
- 50% of global greenhouse gas emissions
- 65% of world’s population
- 67% of world’s Indigenous peoples
- 37% of the world’s poor
- 1 in 5 Canadians have family ties to the region
- PRC, Japan, India, ROK, Australia: 5 of the region's largest economies
- US$29.3T combined GDP of top 5 compared to US$17.2T for whole EU-27
