Korea seeks to deepen trade ties as feds appoint panel on Indo-Pacific strategy

OTTAWA — Keung Ryong Chang, ambassador of South Korea, says he hopes Canada’s forthcoming Indo-Pacific strategy will deepen the two countries’ already strong trade and economic ties.

The ambassador says Korea, a leading producer of hybrid and electric cars, is strengthening investment in Canada, including in the manufacture of batteries for electric vehicles.

He also says, with the global popularity of K-pop and Korean films such as “Parasite,” there is room for greater cultural co-operation with Canada, including as a shooting location for Korean pop videos and films.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly today appointed a panel of advisers to help frame the government’s Indo-Pacific strategy, which aims to diversify Canada’s trade relationships in the region and reduce its reliance on China.