As global trade dynamics shift and diversify, Alberta is looking beyond traditional markets to strengthen its agricultural export presence—especially in Southeast Asia. One key player in this strategy? Vietnam.
Strategic Engagement: Alberta’s Visit to Ho Chi Minh City
On June 2, 2025, Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, led a high-level delegation to Ho Chi Minh City to promote trade relations and seek opportunities for agri-food cooperation. In his meeting with Vice Chairman Vo Van Hoan of the HCMC People’s Committee, Minister Sigurdson emphasized Alberta’s commitment to building strong bilateral ties with Vietnam.
Key highlights from the meeting included:
- Alberta’s strengths in sustainable agriculture, particularly beef, grain, timber, and advanced cattle genetics.
- The proposal to establish direct cargo transportation routes between Alberta and Vietnam to facilitate smoother trade.
- A mutual interest in expanding market access for high-quality Canadian food products that meet Vietnam’s increasing demand for clean and traceable sources.
Vietnam: Alberta’s Second-Largest ASEAN Export Market
Vietnam has quickly emerged as a vital partner for Alberta’s agriculture sector. In 2024 alone, Alberta’s agri-food exports to Vietnam reached C$165.4 million, positioning Vietnam as the second-largest ASEAN destination for Alberta’s products.
Top exports include:
- Cereal grains such as wheat, barley, and peas
- Seafood products including salmon, lobster, and crab
- Plant-based proteins and sustainable commodities aligned with Vietnam’s evolving dietary trends
This rapid growth is fueled in part by Vietnam’s participation in major trade agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which significantly reduces tariffs and improves market access for Canadian exporters.
CASEAN Ag’s Role: Catalyzing Canada-ASEAN Trade
As an organization focused on connecting Canadian startups and exporters with Southeast Asia, CASEAN Ag sees this moment as a powerful opportunity to scale agri-food export promotion—not just for Alberta, but across Canada.
By facilitating dialogue between industry and logistics players, and by supporting innovation-driven exporters, CASEAN Ag can:
- Help Canadian agri-food innovators navigate regulatory and cultural landscapes in Vietnam.
- Promote Canada’s clean, safe, and high-value agricultural standards to Southeast Asian consumers.
- Connect stakeholders across the Canada–ASEAN trade corridor for deeper collaboration and long-term growth.
Looking Ahead
The momentum between Alberta and Vietnam is undeniable, and it represents just one piece of a much broader opportunity across ASEAN.
CASEAN Ag is proud to support this growing relationship—and we look forward to playing an active role in bridging the Canadian agricultural sector with Southeast Asian markets, starting with Vietnam.
Let’s cultivate growth together.
