Vietnam elevates Canada to strategic partner as Carney builds middle-power coalition
Vietnamese President To Lam's first-ever state visit to Canada marks a diplomatic upgrade aimed at strengthening trade and positioning middle powers against US and Chinese coercion.
Vietnamese President To Lam arrived in Ottawa on September 24 for a historic state visit, the first time a Vietnamese president has traveled to Canada. During the visit, Lam and Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a joint statement elevating Vietnam-Canada relations to a Strategic Partnership. Lam addressed Parliament and stated that in a volatile world, trust and shared interests are strategic values. The two leaders discussed expanding trade and investment in aerospace, artificial intelligence, digital technology, transportation, and agri-food, with Carney also underscoring Canada's potential role as an energy partner, including on liquefied natural gas. Carney noted that developments in direct commercial flights between the two countries could soon follow. Lam has been a vocal supporter of Carney's broader initiative to align the EU and the CPTPP bloc—which includes Vietnam—to enable middle powers to coordinate against what Carney has framed as economic coercion from great powers. Since January, when Carney warned of a "rupture" in the world order and urged middle powers to band together or risk being "on the menu," the Canadian government has pursued a pattern of deepening ties with countries including the Philippines, Norway, and India.
How could this affect you
Traced by who's actually in the path of this — not everyone is.
Likely
Canadian exporters in agriculture and energy
Elevated strategic partnership status could reduce trade friction and improve market access for Canadian canola, seafood, and LNG in Vietnam, a growing energy market. Direct flights would reduce logistics costs.
Likely
CPTPP members seeking coordinated trade leverage
Vietnam's support for Carney's EU-CPTPP alignment strengthens the coalition's ability to negotiate common ruleset and reduce individual vulnerability to tariff threats. Vietnam is a key Indo-Pacific trader.
Likely
Canadian policymakers managing US tariff exposure
By deepening partnerships with Vietnam and other CPTPP/middle powers, Canada diversifies dependence away from the US market (which currently absorbs ~75% of Canadian exports), potentially cushioning against Trump tariff shocks.
Sources
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