On April 16, CanCham Korea, alongside 20 fellow Canadian Chambers across the Indo-Pacific, came together for the signing of the CanChams of the Indo Pacific (CCIP) Memorandum of Understanding, witnessed by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
As we awaited the Prime Minister’s arrival, there was a clear sense that this was more than just a formal signing. It was the culmination of years of effort to bring together Canadian business communities across one of the most dynamic regions in the world.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Carney emphasized the importance of reliable partnerships in today’s global landscape, noting that Canada is committed to being exactly that, a trusted and consistent partner in the Indo-Pacific. He also spoke to Canada’s growing ambition in the region, from expanding trade agreements to scaling investment in energy, infrastructure, AI, and defence-related industries, creating significant opportunities for businesses across sectors.
The CCIP will serve as more than a network. It is a platform for coordination, advocacy, and action, bringing together Canadian Chambers to:
• Strengthen the voice of Canadian business in Asia
• Support companies navigating complex regional markets
• Drive joint initiatives, trade missions, and knowledge-sharing
• Deepen engagement with government and industry stakeholders
For Korea, the timing could not be more relevant.
We are already seeing strong momentum in Canada-Korea relations, from the return of the Team Canada Trade Mission this year to growing collaboration across key sectors. Canada’s commitment to diversifying trade and investing in the Indo-Pacific is clear, and Korea stands as a key strategic partner in that vision.
For CanCham Korea, this moment reinforces our role, not only as a bridge between Canada and Korea, but also as part of a broader Indo-Pacific network that extends our reach, influence, and impact beyond bilateral engagement.
Of course, this is not the first time these CanChams have come together. Over the past two years, we’ve had the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and build relationships across markets. This milestone would not have been possible without the leadership and persistence of CCIP co-conveners Brett Stephenson and Adam Janikowski, PhD, and the strong support from Global Affairs Canada, including Paul Thoppil and Sara Wilshaw, among many others who have championed this initiative.
We look forward to building on this momentum together.
