The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Welcomes the Government of Canada’s Announcement of Support for the Establishment of an APF Canada Office and New Programs in Asia as Element of Canada’s Forthcoming Indo-Pacific Strategy

November 12, 2022 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a comprehensive, multi-year plan for renewed Indo-Pacific engagement today at the ASEAN-Canada Commemorative Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

The new measures for strengthening Canada’s ties with ASEAN and expanding partnerships in the Indo-Pacific include C$24.5 million in support over five years for the establishment of an Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada office in the region, alongside nearly C$300 million for new programs and initiatives in support of Canada's forthcoming Indo-Pacific Strategy.

Read the Prime Minister's Announcement

As an element of the new measures announced today, including an ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund Top-up (C$13.1 million over five years) and seven new initiatives under the Government of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy (C$319.9 million over multiple years), the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada will be supported to establish a physical presence in the Indo-Pacific region to build and strengthen relations with local partners, including in the areas of foreign policy, cultural diplomacy, and academic ties. It will offer a convening working space for Canadians and local partners engaged in APF Canada-supported programs and other Canadian initiatives.

“Today’s announcements are an important advance in Canada’s relationships in the Indo-Pacific region,” said APF Canada President and CEO, Jeff Nankivell. “For the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, as an institution created to facilitate deeper ties between Canada and the region, the support announced today to establish an APF Canada presence and new programs represents a unique and welcome opportunity to help Canadians to understand the region better, and to exchange ideas and collaborate with a wide range of new partners over the next five years and beyond.”

Media:

Michael Roberts, Communications Director,
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
michael.roberts@asiapacific.ca