The 18th
Meeting of the ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) Negotiating Committee
was held on April 21, 2026, in
Jakarta, Indonesia, with representatives from all ASEAN member states,
Timor-Leste as an observer, and Canada in attendance. Parallel working group
meetings were also conducted from April 16–24 to advance
negotiations on key unresolved issues, including trade in goods and services,
investment, e-commerce, rules of origin, government procurement, sustainable
development, and intellectual property rights. Both sides acknowledged that the
negotiations have entered a critical stage and emphasized the need to
accelerate efforts to conclude the agreement within 2026.
Meeting of the ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement (ACAFTA) Negotiating Committee
was held on April 21, 2026, in
Jakarta, Indonesia, with representatives from all ASEAN member states,
Timor-Leste as an observer, and Canada in attendance. Parallel working group
meetings were also conducted from April 16–24 to advance
negotiations on key unresolved issues, including trade in goods and services,
investment, e-commerce, rules of origin, government procurement, sustainable
development, and intellectual property rights. Both sides acknowledged that the
negotiations have entered a critical stage and emphasized the need to
accelerate efforts to conclude the agreement within 2026.
The meeting reviewed
progress across all negotiation chapters, noting that several areas are close
to completion, while more complex issues—such as market access, legal and
institutional provisions, and rules of origin—remain under discussion.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to the agreed roadmap and highlighted
the importance of flexibility, close coordination, and technical cooperation to
resolve outstanding issues. Once concluded, ACAFTA is expected to serve as a
comprehensive framework for strengthening trade, investment, and economic
connectivity between ASEAN and Canada, while also deepening the strategic
partnership between the two sides amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.Click!
progress across all negotiation chapters, noting that several areas are close
to completion, while more complex issues—such as market access, legal and
institutional provisions, and rules of origin—remain under discussion.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to the agreed roadmap and highlighted
the importance of flexibility, close coordination, and technical cooperation to
resolve outstanding issues. Once concluded, ACAFTA is expected to serve as a
comprehensive framework for strengthening trade, investment, and economic
connectivity between ASEAN and Canada, while also deepening the strategic
partnership between the two sides amid ongoing global economic uncertainty.Click!
June 18, 2026
