Canada has pledged more than $127 million in development funding across the Indo-Pacific region as Secretary of State Randeep Sarai wrapped up a 10-day visit to Vietnam, Indonesia and Fiji aimed at strengthening economic partnerships and advancing shared priorities in climate action and gender equality.
The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, announced funding for 18 development projects totaling over $123 million, along with an additional $4.2 million for four initiatives to reinforce the ASEAN-Canada partnership during his January 6-16 tour.
"Canada is committed to building strong partnerships that drive sustainable development, advance gender equality and strengthen climate resilience," said Secretary of State Sarai. "By linking development cooperation with trade and investment opportunities, we will be able to create lasting benefits for local communities while fostering inclusive economic growth."
The funding will support projects focused on empowering women, strengthening climate adaptation, promoting inclusive governance and fostering sustainable livelihoods across the region. Through the ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund, the new initiatives will provide technical assistance in digital economy, artificial intelligence governance, agriculture, food safety and energy transition sectors.
Vietnam: Climate Resilience and Agricultural Innovation
In Vietnam, where Canada has been a development partner for over 30 years, Secretary of State Sarai met with Prime Minister and senior ministers to deepen trade and development cooperation. Canada provided $31.8 million in international assistance to Vietnam in fiscal year 2023-24, making it the country's eighth-largest donor.
During his visit to Lao Cai province, Sarai witnessed firsthand a Canada-funded project supporting climate-resilient agriculture and livelihood recovery in communities devastated by typhoons, floods and landslides. He toured Vinasamex, a social-impact business working with ethnic minority farmers on sustainable value chains, which now exports local spices to Canada.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Sarai engaged with Canadian companies and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to explore enhanced development-trade collaboration. He also visited the UNESCO World Heritage Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve to identify opportunities for sharing Canadian expertise in ecosystem conservation management.
Indonesia: Clean Energy and Women's Empowerment
Canada's partnership with Indonesia spans over 70 years, with $54.7 million in international assistance provided in 2023-24, making Canada the country's seventh-largest donor.
In Lombok, Secretary of State Sarai met with women's groups, youth and local leaders to discuss Canadian support for promoting women's rights, educating leadership on gender equality, ending child marriage and eradicating female genital mutilation.
He toured a Vena Energy solar facility supported by the Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia, highlighting Canada's role in Indonesia's clean energy transition.
In Jakarta, meetings with Indonesia's Vice-Minister of National Development Planning and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs focused on green growth, sustainable trade and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises under the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
While in Jakarta, Sarai also engaged with senior ASEAN leaders and visited the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance to discuss disaster risk resilience cooperation.
The ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action Trust Fund was established in March 2023 with an initial $1 million contribution and received a $10.7 million top-up in February 2025 to strengthen cooperation on shared priorities, including participation of least developed ASEAN countries in Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement negotiations.
Fiji: Historic High Commission Opening
A highlight of the tour was the official opening of Canada's high commission in Suva, Fiji—a milestone underscoring Canada's growing presence in Pacific Island Countries. Canada and Fiji have been development partners for more than 55 years, with Canada establishing a bilateral development program with Pacific Island Countries valued at over $40 million over five years in fiscal year 2023-24.
Secretary of State Sarai met with Fiji's Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade (Designate), Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, and the Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat.
He visited Canada-supported projects promoting women's entrepreneurship in orchid and coffee production and toured a national park supported by the Kiwa Initiative, where Canada and other donors are helping restore coastal ecosystems and train local communities.
The trip reinforced Canada's commitment to the Indo-Pacific Strategy, linking development cooperation with trade and investment opportunities to create lasting benefits for communities while fostering inclusive economic growth and shared prosperity between Canada and the region.
