Minister Joly visiting the Republic of Korea and Japan to advance strategic industrial partnerships
Government Release
November 24, 2025 – Seoul, Republic of Korea
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, will travel to Seoul and Busan, Republic of Korea, and to Tokyo, Japan, from November 23 to 28, 2025, to advance Canada’s industrial and economic interests abroad.
Minister Joly will engage with senior government officials and leading industry representatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation, deepen commercial partnerships and promote Canada’s strategic economic interests in Asia. Discussions will focus on key sectors, including automotive and batteries, defence, shipbuilding, aerospace, biomanufacturing, and mining.
Minister Joly will also highlight Canada’s world-class industries, highly skilled workforce and cutting‑edge innovation. She will emphasize the government’s commitment to attracting major investments, particularly in the defence sector. These investments will create jobs and opportunities throughout Canada’s industries, further diversify Canada’s international partnerships and grow the economy.
Quotes
“The Canadian economy is driven by our cutting-edge industries, highly skilled workforce and ability to compete globally. This visit will highlight Canadian industry—like aerospace and biomanufacturing—and open new opportunities for investment, innovation and job creation. By diversifying our industrial partnerships and strengthening our ties with Asia, we are building a more resilient economy that will have tangible benefits for Canadians across the country.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
Quick facts
The Indo-Pacific region is Canada’s second-largest trading partner, with over $260 billion in two-way merchandise trade. Yet it still represents only 10% of our exports.
The Republic of Korea is Canada’s seventh-largest merchandise trading partner, with two-way trade valued at $24.5 billion in 2024.
In 2024, Canada’s exports of merchandise to Japan totalled $15 billion, while imports from Japan reached $21.4 billion, making it Canada’s fifth-largest trading partner in terms of bilateral merchandise trade.
Noah Note: Finally have the governments confirmation on this trip. I didnt know she would be going to Japan as well but cool none the less. If you missed it, Minister Joly already popped up at Hanwha’s yard in Goeje this morning for a visit.
The next few months will include a lot of verification from everyone on both Hanwha and TKMS. These visits make up an important part of that, allowing key ministers to engage with both suppliers and verify their facilities and capabilities for themselves.
Some ask why multiple people, especially after PMMC has already visited, are going to each of the yards and the simple explanation is that eavh of these Ministers still has a role to play in the project, and when you are talking about something valued in the tens of billions you want everyone to have a chance to invesyigate with their own eyes, ask key questions, and have a proper understanding of everything.
Everyone gets a look at what's happening. Everyone gets to engage. Everyone gets to go back to their own department with that knowledge in hand. Thats especially importsnt for someone like Minister Joly, who has the vital role of engaging on thr economic and Industrial side of the project and what everyone is offering.
So yes, these trips are important, and in the grand scheme are minor excursions with a very important role to play.
….everyone gets to spend taxpayer money on travel…