Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Minister of International Trade welcomed ministers and high-ranking officials from the 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, to Canada.
With more than 600 million people, the member countries of ASEAN make up the fastest-growing and most dynamic markets in the Asia-Pacific region and collectively rank as Canada's seventh-largest trading partner.
Strengthening trade and investment links with ASEAN is a key component of Canada's ambitious pro-trade plan.
Trade promotion and connecting Canadian businesses, especially small and medium-sized businesses, to international markets is part of Canada's global markets action plan to boost exports and create economic opportunities.
While the Liberals think that budgets balance themselves and NDP members put on their tinfoil hats and fabricate conspiracy theories, our government remains focused on the real priorities of Canadians: balancing the budget, lowering taxes, and creating jobs.