Prime Minister Mark Carney and Vietnamese General Secretary and President Tô Lâm have elevated Canada-Vietnam relations to a strategic partnership, opening a broader framework for cooperation on trade, energy, technology, transportation, food security and defence.
The agreement was announced during Tô Lâm’s state visit to Canada from September 24 to 25, 2026, and represents a significant expansion of bilateral ties since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1973.
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Mark Carney expands Canada’s Indo-Pacific network
For Mark Carney’s government, the agreement is part of a wider effort to diversify Canada’s economic and diplomatic relationships as Ottawa seeks stronger connections beyond its traditional dependence on the United States.
Vietnam is Canada’s largest merchandise trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and the federal government says bilateral merchandise trade has doubled over the past five years.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their support for concluding negotiations on a Canada-ASEAN free trade agreement this year.
According to the federal government, a Canada-ASEAN agreement could add nearly $2 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product and create nearly 14,000 Canadian jobs, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
Eight areas covered by the new partnership
The joint statement establishes eight broad pillars for future cooperation between Canada and Vietnam.
- Bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation
- Trade, investment, financial and economic cooperation
- Transportation, supply chains and infrastructure
- Digital transformation, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies
- Energy security, environmental protection and sustainable growth
- Food security and agri-food cooperation
- Defence, maritime security, law enforcement and justice
- Education, culture and people-to-people ties
The framework is designed to give both governments a long-term structure for cooperation rather than limiting the relationship to individual trade or diplomatic initiatives.
Energy and technology are central to the deal
Carney presented Canada as a reliable energy partner, with discussions covering liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, renewable energy and other technologies connected to the energy transition.
Canada and Vietnam signed or renewed memoranda of understanding covering energy and clean-energy cooperation, maritime transport, environmental cooperation and food safety.
The countries also agreed to explore collaboration in artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and digital governance.
The technology provisions include potential cooperation through ASEAN mechanisms, including the ASEAN-Canada AI Connect Program, as well as greater collaboration between universities, research institutions and industry.
Direct flights and stronger supply chains
The leaders announced an expansion of the Canada-Vietnam Air Transport Agreement to allow direct passenger and cargo services between the two countries.
Direct air links could make it easier for businesses to move goods, students to travel between the two countries and families to maintain personal connections.
The partnership also calls for cooperation on maritime transport, supply-chain resilience and infrastructure, including efforts to improve maritime security and reduce transportation-related emissions.
Vietnam’s position in Southeast Asian manufacturing and Canada’s resources, technology and agricultural capacity give the relationship potential importance for companies looking to diversify their supply chains.
Security cooperation will also deepen
Canada and Vietnam agreed to strengthen defence dialogue and explore cooperation involving maritime awareness, cybersecurity, military education, defence industry and humanitarian assistance.
The two governments also plan to examine cooperation against transnational organised crime, cyber-enabled fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking and online child exploitation.
The agreement does not create a mutual-defence commitment, but it establishes additional channels for security officials and military representatives to work together.
Vietnam also announced plans to establish a permanent defence attaché office in Canada, while Canada expressed interest in participating in suitable ASEAN defence and security mechanisms.
What happens next
The foreign ministers of Canada and Vietnam will coordinate with relevant departments to develop an action plan for implementing the strategic partnership.
The two countries are expected to continue discussions ahead of the ASEAN Summit, Vietnam’s hosting of the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders’ meeting and Canada’s planned hosting of the 2028 Francophonie Summit.
Tô Lâm also invited Carney to visit Vietnam, creating a potential next step for advancing the new framework at the leaders’ level.
The agreement gives Ottawa another platform for pursuing trade diversification and Indo-Pacific engagement, while giving Vietnam expanded access to Canadian energy, technology, food and infrastructure expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mark Carney announce with Vietnam?
Mark Carney and Vietnamese leader Tô Lâm announced that Canada-Vietnam relations had been elevated to a strategic partnership.
What areas does the Canada-Vietnam partnership cover?
The partnership covers trade, investment, transportation, energy, artificial intelligence, food security, defence, maritime security, education and culture.
Will Canada and Vietnam have direct flights?
The two countries expanded their air transport agreement to permit direct passenger and cargo services between Canada and Vietnam.
Why is Vietnam important to Canada’s trade strategy?
Vietnam is Canada’s largest merchandise trading partner in ASEAN, and Ottawa is seeking stronger Indo-Pacific relationships and more diversified supply chains.
What happens after the strategic partnership announcement?
The two countries’ foreign ministers will coordinate with government departments to create an action plan for implementing the partnership.
Fact-Checked: Key facts were checked against official statements and readouts published by the Prime Minister of Canada on September 24, 2026.
Disclaimer: The partnership establishes areas for cooperation, but individual projects, trade agreements and security initiatives may require further negotiations and approvals.