Canada and Vietnam have launched direct flights for the first time, following an expanded air transport agreement announced on September 24, 2026, as part of the broader Strategic Partnership between the two nations.

Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon highlighted the expanded agreement, which responds to significant growth in the bilateral air market and supports Canada's Trade Diversification and Indo-Pacific strategies. Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Vietnam totalled $20.6 billion in 2025, with Canadian merchandise exports to Vietnam reaching over $1.3 billion in 2025, up 30% from the year before. Vietnam is Canada's largest trading partner within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Expanded air service details

The expanded air transport agreement introduces new flight entitlements for both countries. The key provisions are outlined below:

Fifth freedom rights allow an airline to operate flights between two foreign countries, provided the flight either starts or ends in the airline's home country. The agreement is designed to facilitate the movement of goods, make travel more seamless, and foster stronger people-to-people ties.

Strategic Partnership and economic framework

The air connectivity expansion forms part of the wider Canada-Vietnam Strategic Partnership, anchored in eight pillars covering trade, investment, digital transformation, energy security, food security, defense, and people-to-people ties. Viet Nam is Canada's largest trading partner within ASEAN, with agri-food and seafood trade reaching nearly CAN$1.7 billion in 2025. Leaders reaffirmed support for concluding the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement and modernizing the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) to remove market access barriers.

The partnership also includes a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation and the Clean Energy Transition, covering liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, renewables, and carbon management. In the technology sector, both countries agreed to explore cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and semiconductors through the ASEAN-Canada AI Connect Program.

Defense, security, and people-to-people ties

Defense cooperation was strengthened with Vietnam set to establish a permanent Defence Attaché Office in Canada. Both sides also agreed to explore a Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement to address transnational supply chain risks and combat cybercrime and fraud. A Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Transport Cooperation was signed to enhance maritime resilience and green shipping initiatives.

People-to-people ties underpin much of the expanded connectivity. A Vietnamese Canadian community of approximately 275,000 people generates growing demand for tourism, business, education, family travel, and air connectivity. Canada holds air transport agreements or arrangements covering more than 125 countries and is actively diversifying trade beyond North America, aiming to double its non-U.S. exports within a decade.

Ministerial statements

"With every new or expanded air transport agreement we are paving the way for more convenient travel and exciting new opportunities for investment, trade, and international collaboration. I'm so pleased to see this enhanced cooperation between Canada and Vietnam, a growing market with a rich culture and history," said Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, added: "Vietnam is one of Canada's most dynamic trading partners in Southeast Asia. Our merchandise exports to Vietnam reached over $1.3 billion in 2025, up 30% from the year before. By expanding our air transport agreement, we're making it easier for people and goods to move between our countries, opening new doors for businesses and diversifying Canada's trade."

Implementation and next steps

The foreign ministers of both countries will coordinate with relevant agencies to develop an Action Plan to implement the Strategic Partnership's objectives. The partnership aims to position Canada and Vietnam to address shared challenges and contribute to a more secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chilean President José Antonio Kast agreed to expand bilateral cooperation in critical minerals, defence, and aerospace sectors. The meeting took place on the margins of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2026.

The leaders underscored the strategic importance of deepening economic ties, particularly in the critical minerals sector. Canada currently stands as Chile's largest foreign investor, with nearly $40 billion in investments recorded last year across financial services, infrastructure, energy, and mining.

Strategic partnership framework

Both nations welcomed the shared commitment to protecting biodiversity, including efforts focused on the world's oceans. The discussion also covered joint initiatives to advance the Canada-Chile Strategic Partnership Framework, aiming to strengthen institutional and commercial links.

Antarctic research collaboration

Prime Minister Carney expressed Canada's interest in participating in a joint Antarctic expedition scheduled for 2027. This move highlights growing scientific cooperation between the two countries in polar regions.

What the Numbers Show

The disclosure that Canada holds nearly $40 billion in investments positions it as the dominant foreign capital source for Chile. This concentration suggests that future diplomatic engagements will likely prioritize regulatory stability and investment protection to safeguard this significant economic footprint.