Trudeau ends Thailand visit pledging Asia energy cash, as North Korea sidetracks APEC

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is wrapping up his brief visit to Thailand by announcing funding to expand trade in natural resources with like-minded countries.

He is in Bangkok to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, which was sidetracked by news that North Korea had launched a ballistic missile that landed near Japanese waters.

Before Trudeau was pulled aside to discuss that development with other leaders, he announced that Ottawa will spend $13.5 million to launch a team in Canada and Asia to form energy partnerships.

The announcement doesn’t list specific products, but likely involves Canada selling more natural gas and buying equipment for green technology.