Mr. Chair, my hon. colleague will be happy to learn that not only am I going to Vietnam, but I am also going on a trade mission after that with respect to softwood lumber. I will be in Korea, Japan, and Singapore, countries which very much matter.
My hon. colleague mentioned ASEAN. It is going to be a good opportunity again to engage with my Singapore counterpart to make sure we push the feasibility study that he knows the countries of ASEAN are undertaking to see whether or not we should pursue a free trade agreement between Canada and ASEAN. I have been pushing for that, and I will be redoing that when I am in the region.
He mentioned Japan. I am sure he will be very happy to learn that my counterpart even called me before the officials were meeting in Toronto. We have a very fine relationship between Canada and Japan. Actually, I speak French with my counterpart. Imagine, Canada and Japan do diplomacy in French. That is a first. Actually, we have a very close relationship. We will continue that.
I am very happy that my hon. colleague recognizes the importance of Asia-Pacific. I count on his support. He said it. Canadians expect us to have an ambitious trade agenda when it comes to the Asia-Pacific region. We are going to continue engaging, obviously.