30-8-2023 (SINGAPORE) The office of Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Wednesday (Aug 30) that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will embark on a two-day visit to Singapore next week. Mr. Trudeau’s working visit is scheduled from September 7 to September 8, as confirmed by Mr. Lee’s press secretary in response to media inquiries.
During his visit, Mr. Trudeau will call on Prime Minister Lee on September 8 to engage in discussions on various matters of mutual interest. According to Mr. Trudeau’s office, Singapore holds great significance as a partner within Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries, with a particular focus on promoting Canadian exports and positioning Canada as an attractive investment destination.
In addition to meeting with Prime Minister Lee, Mr. Trudeau will also engage with key leaders from the private sector. This interaction is expected to foster closer ties and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Highlighting the importance of Singapore in terms of economic relations, Mr. Trudeau’s office stated that in 2022, Singapore ranked as Canada’s primary destination for Canadian direct investment in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, it stood as the second-largest source of foreign direct investment from Southeast Asia to Canada. Bilateral merchandise trade between the two nations also witnessed a significant increase of 28 percent compared to 2021.
Prior to his visit to Singapore, Mr. Trudeau will travel to Jakarta, Indonesia to participate in the ASEAN Summit. Subsequently, he will attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, from September 9 to September 10, as confirmed by his office.
Accompanying Mr. Trudeau on his trip to Indonesia and Singapore will be Mary Ng, the Canadian Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade, and Economic Development.
This visit marks Mr. Trudeau’s second official visit to Singapore during his current tenure as Prime Minister. His previous visit in 2018 included a solemn visit to Fort Canning to pay tribute to his great-great-great-great-grandmother, Esther Bernard, whose plaque can be found there.
