cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/12436659

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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is looking to finalize a free trade agreement with Canada during the leaders’ summit in Manila next week, an official in charge of preparations said on Thursday.

“This is important for ASEAN because this opens access for our MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) to another type of market,” Department of Foreign Affairs - ASEAN Office Executive Director Dominic Imperial told ANC’s Headstart.

“Canada is the first North American country that ASEAN has an FTA with,” he said.

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Deals and policies on trade, security and maritime rights are also “high on the agenda,” Imperial said.

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