Canada is taking significant steps to strengthen its position as a global energy leader by deepening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region. Through increased collaboration with key economies in Asia, the federal government aims to attract new investment, create high-quality jobs, expand export opportunities, and diversify Canada’s trade relationships beyond traditional markets. These efforts form part of a broader strategy to enhance Canada’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.
As part of this initiative, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, represented Canada at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Energy Ministers’ Meeting (APEC EMM) in China from September 8 to 11, 2026. Canada’s participation at the ministerial level, the first in more than a decade, signals a renewed commitment to strengthening energy, investment, and trade relationships throughout the Asia-Pacific region, one of the world’s fastest-growing economic hubs.
The announcement highlights Canada’s growing role as a reliable supplier of energy, natural resources, and sustainable building materials. With expanding LNG exports, major energy infrastructure projects, and new opportunities in sectors such as clean technology and modern wood construction, Canada is positioning itself to meet rising global demand while generating economic benefits for workers, businesses, and communities across the country.
Key Highlights
- Strengthening Trade and Energy Partnerships
From September 8 to 11, 2026, Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, represented Canada at the APEC Energy Ministers’ Meeting in China. This marked Canada’s first political-level participation in the meeting in more than a decade, reflecting a renewed focus on expanding trade, investment, and energy cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
During the meetings, Canada engaged with representatives from China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and the Philippines to advance discussions on bilateral energy trade, energy security, and investment opportunities.
- Expanding Opportunities for Canadian Energy ExportsCanada continues to position itself as a stable and trusted supplier of both conventional and clean energy to fast-growing Indo-Pacific markets. Government representatives highlighted Canada’s strengths in:
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Oil exports
- Electricity development
- Nuclear energy
- Clean technology and energy transition initiatives
The government’s strategy focuses on increasing exports while supporting long-term economic prosperity and job creation for Canadian.
- LNG Growth Creates New Opportunities
Canada currently operates the only major LNG export facility on North America’s Pacific coast, providing direct access to Asian markets. Between June 2025 and August 2026, approximately 130 LNG shipments were exported to Asia, totaling about 9.7 million tonnes of natural gas. Canada now exports roughly one million metric tonnes of LNG to Asia each month.
In addition, LNG projects currently under development on Canada’s west coast represent more than $100 billion in potential investment and support the country’s goal of reaching 50 million tonnes of LNG production annually by the early 2030s.
- Supporting Energy Infrastructure Development
The federal government highlighted several key infrastructure developments designed to improve Canada’s access to global markets, including:
- The Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX), which provides direct access to Pacific shipping routes.
- A proposed west coast pipeline project capable of transporting one million barrels of oil per day to international markets.
- Ongoing investments in energy transportation and export infrastructure.
According to the government, China has become the largest purchaser of seaborne exports transported through the TMX system, accounting for approximately 60% of shipments.
- Growing Collaboration Beyond Energy
Canada is also strengthening cooperation in forestry and sustainable construction. Officials highlighted opportunities for Canadian wood construction products in China following the signing of the 2026 Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation on Modern Wood Construction. The agreement is expected to improve market access and promote Canadian expertise in sustainable building practices.
Quotes
“Canada has an opportunity right now to generate prosperity, diversify trade, secure global energy markets and enhance our sovereignty by working with partners across the Asia-Pacific region. With abundant resources, strong energy expertise and a Pacific coast that connects us directly to global markets, Canada can deliver both conventional and clean energy to the Asia- Pacific region in a way that creates economic opportunity for Canadians and shows how we can give ourselves more than anyone can take away.”
Corey Hogan
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
Quick Facts
- In 2024, APEC partners accounted for 83 percent of Canada’s total merchandise trade.
- APEC economies have consistently accounted for more than half of Canada’s non-U.S. trade over the last decade, and Canada has free trade agreements with 12 of the 20 other APEC economies.
- Canada operates the only major LNG facility on North America’s Pacific coast, providing direct access to Asia-Pacific markets.
- Between June 2025 and August 2026, Canada has exported approximately 130 tankers carrying LNG to Asia, equivalent to 470 billion cubic feet or approximately 9.7 million tonnes of gas. Canada now exports about one million metric tonnes of LNG to Asia per month.
- LNG projects in development on the west coast represent over $100 billion in potential capital investment and support Canada’s objective of 50 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG buildout by the early 2030s, with the potential to grow up to 100 mtpa by 2040.
- Canada is well positioned to meet growing global demand for heavy oil as a responsible supplier of choice, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, thanks to our recently expanded oil pipelines that transport crude to the west coast.
- The Trans Mountain Expansion Project (TMX) provides a direct Pacific shipping route that bypasses exclusive U.S. market reliance. China has emerged as the leading buyer of TMX seaborne exports, absorbing roughly 60 percent of these shipments.
- In July, Canada announced the referral of the Government of Alberta’s proposal for a west coast pipeline project to the Major Projects Office (MPO). This pipeline would transport one million barrels per day of oil to global markets, particularly in Asia.
- In January 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney visited China and released a joint statement with President of China Xi Jinping outlining the pillars of a new strategic partnership. Central to this new partnership is an agreement to collaborate in energy, clean technology and climate competitiveness.
- China is Canada’s second-largest market for forest products, and the Government of Canada is aligning Canada’s wood construction sector for strategic, higher-value opportunities. The Memorandum of Understanding on Co-operation on Modern Wood Construction, signed in January 2026 during the Prime Minister’s visit, effectively positions the federal government to work with the province of British Columbia and China to facilitate market access and build stronger trade connections.
Why This Matters
As global demand for energy continues to grow, Canada’s efforts to deepen partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific region could create significant opportunities for investment, employment, exports, and economic growth. By strengthening international relationships and expanding access to global markets, Canada aims to reinforce its position as a leading and reliable supplier of energy and natural resources.