In 2011, Canada and Vietnam celebrated the 38th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries. Economic reform in Vietnam, called Doi Moi, has changed the economic and social conditions in Vietnam and improved the relationship between Canada and Vietnam.
Trade Between Canada and Vietnam
Trade commissioners in both countries assist business representatives and entrepreneurs to navigate trade agreements. Regular visits by government officials have strengthened the bonds and opportunities in both countries and offered expertise in a variety of business opportunities. In 2010, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) attended the G20 conference in Toronto, followed by Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs attending two ASEAN conferences in Hanoi. Canada and Vietnam use their membership in organizations such as ASEAN, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ASEAN Regional Forum, Francophonie and the United Nations to improve and expand economic opportunities. Today, Vietnam’s annual economic growth is one of the largest in Asia.
Social Benefits of Trade
The relationship between Canada and Vietnam not only focuses on economic development but also involves attention to social conditions in Vietnam, including the rights to freedom of expression and association. In 2009, Canada announced that it would narrow its focus for international assistance and that Vietnam was one of 20 of the Countries of Focus due to its alignment with Canadian foreign policy. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is the main agency that provides humanitarian assistance and support for sustainable development. CIDA has invested more than 30 million dollars to reduce poverty in Vietnam through economic growth. An example of CIDA’s humanitarian assistance was a project that was implemented after the flooding in Vietnam in 2010; $50,000 was committed for humanitarian assistance for emergency relief operations, including distribution of non-food relief items, drinking water and community support.
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CIDA
Relations Canada–Vietnam