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Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia

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Event details

As part of Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development, will lead a Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to Thailand and Cambodia. The trade mission will help Canadian exporters and innovators from across the country position themselves in both markets by showcasing their capabilities and competitiveness while facilitating long-term trade and investment opportunities.

A select number of organizations operating in a sub-set of priority sectors will be invited to join the Cambodia program. If you would like to be considered, please indicate your interest in your application form.

Dates: Sunday, May 25 to Friday, May 30, 2025

Markets: Core programming in Bangkok (Thailand) from May 25 to May 28, with additional priority sector programming in Phnom Penh (Cambodia) on May 29 and May 30.

Priority sectors: While the trade mission is open to companies and organizations from all sectors, the program will highlight areas of Canadian competitive advantage, with a particular focus on the following priority sectors:

The B2B program stream (which includes pre-arranged business to business meetings) will be available only to eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that operate in the priority sectors.

Format: In-market
Application deadline: February 14, 2025, 23:59 (P.T.)

Submit your application

Please see eligibility requirements below.

Program (in development)

The trade mission will include programming such as:

Given the large size and the broad scope of Team Canada delegations, accepted applicants will be placed into one of the following program streams:

  1. General program, which provides delegates with market intelligence and networking opportunities through briefings and various networking events. This program stream does not include business to business meetings.

Representatives from provinces, territories, municipalities, trade portfolio partners, chambers of commerce, trade associations and companies that are already well-established in the target market will be primarily considered for the General program stream.

  1. Business to Business program, which includes the General program as well as a tailored program of pre-arranged B2B meetings, will primarily be offered to a select number of SMEs operating within the priority sectors (refer to event details).

Who is eligible to participate?

Team Canada Trade Missions welcome:

Priority will be given to companies and organizations that:

Eligibility criteria for Canadian companies

To be considered for the trade mission, applicants must clearly demonstrate the following criteria:

Each application will undergo an extensive assessment process to determine the most suitable stream for the organization.

Please note firms providing services to Canadian organizations, including visa or immigration services, or facilitating business establishment in Canada are deemed out of scope for this trade mission, as they do not align with the trade mission's objectives and program.

The B2B program stream will primarily be offered to a select number of SMEs operating within the priority sectors. Assessment for this program stream will be based on:

The General program stream may be offered to companies that:

Note the General program does not include pre-arranged business meetings.

Please ensure your application includes all relevant and detailed information. Due to the high volume of applications received, evaluation will be based solely on the information provided. We are unable to follow-up in cases of incomplete information.

Interested in the Thai and Cambodian markets, but unsure whether you are ready for this opportunity?

Take the export quiz

Eligibility criteria for other organizations

To be considered for the General program stream, applicants must clearly demonstrate the following criteria:

Why Thailand and Cambodia?

Thailand

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia's most advanced and wealthiest economies, the second largest economy in the region and a key market for Canadian businesses to export. Looking ahead to 2025, the World Bank foresees a 3% growth rate for Thailand's economy.

Canada and Thailand have a dynamic and cooperative bilateral and multilateral relationship that is continuing to expand. Thailand is currently Canada's second-largest overall trading partner in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region. Canada-Thailand bilateral merchandise trade increased to its highest level ever in 2022, at $6.4 billion. In 2023, Canadian merchandise exports to Thailand were valued at $1.1 billion and imports at over $4.9 billion.

Cambodia

Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia's fastest growing economies, with a GDP growth of 5% in 2023. In 2024, GDP growth is expected to reach 5.5% which is slowly getting closer to the average growth rate for the 10 years preceding the pandemic (7.6%). The country has been recommended by the UN to graduate to middle income status with a five-year transition, bringing the target year to 2029. The Cambodian government continues to take a generally pro-business stance.

Canada is one of Cambodia's top export destinations, ranking as the seventh largest. Bilateral merchandise trade grew from $1.8 billion in 2021 to $2.1 billion in 2023. Exports to Cambodia were valued at $37.2 million in 2023, up from $33.4 million in 2022 and Canadian direct investment in Cambodia amounted to $1.7 billion in 2023.

Canada's bilateral trade with Thailand and Cambodia will be further bolstered by the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement, currently under negotiation. Trade Ministers have agreed to work toward substantially concluding negotiations in 2025. Once in force, this agreement will offer Canadian businesses enhanced preferential access to ASEAN markets, including Thailand and Cambodia.

Opportunities for Canadian companies in Thailand and Cambodia

Agri-food and food processing (including Fish and Seafood)

Thailand: The country boasts a highly competitive food-processing sector, housing over 10,000 food and beverage processing factories, varying from small to large-scale plants. This diversity creates a demand for input materials and ingredients, prompting the import of Canadian food and agri-food items. The country's growing market, coupled with an increasing middle and upper-income population, presents a substantial opportunity for Canadian products.

Canada's food and agriculture industry enjoys a global reputation for purity and high quality, complementing Thailand's tourism sector, a key driver for imported food product demand. Thailand is the fifth largest export market in Southeast Asia for Canadian agri-food and seafood, with key opportunities in:

  • Wheat;
  • Food-grade soybeans;
  • Chip-stock potatoes;
  • Ingredients for food processing;
  • Fish and seafood;
  • Fresh fruits; and
  • Snacks, confectionery and other specialty niche items.

Cambodia: Agri-food products - including beef, pork, seafood and processed foods - are in growing demand on the Cambodian market. Canadian exporters of consumer-oriented, retail-ready products are well equipped to meet the needs of the rapid growth of the tourism industry, and the growing middle class, who are increasingly concerned with food safety, quality and variety.

Opportunities for raw imports of fish and seafood (e.g. live lobsters, salmon, crab); meat (beef, pork), food processing and food preservation and animal feed also exist. The agriculture industry is also rapidly modernizing, creating a demand for farming equipment and inputs.

Clean technologies and sustainable infrastructure

Thailand: Over the past few years and despite the COVID-19 crisis, Thailand has become the leading clean energy producer amongst the 10 ASEAN countries - a region with a $4.3 trillion economy and 679 million consumers. Thailand is driving its policy towards cleaner and greener sources of energy with the electrification of transportation and power generation, and the country's carbon emissions per unit of electricity are remarkably lower than Asia's average, reflecting its solid commitment to sustainability.

Thailand is actively pursuing cleantech opportunities to respond to its needs in finding solutions for climate change, energy security and economic development. It has adopted the Bio-Green-Circular (BCG) Economy model as a core aspect of its national development strategy which aims to promote the efficient use of natural resources, the development of green industries and the enhancement of social well-being.

Opportunities exist in several sub-sectors, including:

  • Decarbonization and hydrogen;
  • Batteries recycling and lithium recovery;
  • Municipal solid waste; and
  • Wastewater treatment and waste-to-energy, including micro and small nuclear reactors.

Cambodia: The country's growing economy, energy demand, and environmental goals are driving the adoption of clean technologies and sustainable infrastructure.

Cambodia has launched its Long-Term Strategy for Carbon Neutrality and approved 23 new investment projects in the power sector for 2024-2029 to tackle ongoing energy shortages. Clean and renewable energy investment projects have become an important part of the government's policy to reduce emissions from fossil fuels such as coal and oil. Currently, 48.5% of Cambodia's domestic power generation comes from renewable energy (hydro, solar and biomass), and the country aims to raise its renewable energy share to at least 70% by 2030. Additionally, Cambodia seeks to achieve 100% water supply coverage by 2025, as current access rates are 66% in rural areas and 94% in urban areas.

In parallel, Cambodia recently launched the "Cambodian Investment Master Plan 2023-2033" in which 174 infrastructure projects have been identified, with an estimated investment value of $36.68 billion. The Master Plan includes roads, railways, waterways, sea and air transport projects. Additionally, rapid urbanization and construction growth in Cambodia are driving a sharp increase in waste generation, especially in larger cities. Investments are needed to improve essential urban services like water, sanitation, and waste management.

This context presents significant opportunities for Canada in areas such as:

  • Waste management and recycling solutions;
  • Wastewater treatment;
  • Sewage systems;
  • Clean water supply infrastructure,
  • Low-carbon infrastructure;
  • Energy storage technologies;
  • Solar and wind; and
  • Transport infrastructure (roads, railways, sea, air).

Information and Communications Technologies

Thailand only: The country is positioning itself as a regional hub for digital development, aiming to lead the new digital industry. This ambition is driving significant growth in Thailand's ICT sector, with the market expected to grow at a rate of 7.5% by 2028. As a major buyer of ICT solutions and related technology, this presents several opportunities for Canadian ICT companies, particularly in the following areas:

Telecommunications and network infrastructure: The nationwide 5G deployment opens avenues for those specializing in telecommunications and network infrastructure.

Cybersecurity and E-government solutions: New national agencies such as the National Cyber Security Agency and the Digital Government Agency create demand for cybersecurity and e-government solutions. The government's Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) is focused on helping businesses and individuals adapt to new technologies, offering collaboration opportunities for training programs and technology solutions.

Cloud services: Recent announcement of Thailand's Cloud First policy, supported by investments from major cloud providers in new data centers, offers opportunities for cloud service providers and IT consultants.

Fintech: The full implementation of mobile wallets and QR payments presents a growing market for fintech solutions.

By leveraging these opportunities, Canadian ICT companies can play a significant role in Thailand's digital transformation journey.

Life sciences

Thailand only: Thailand's strong government support, investment-friendly policies, and growing demand for innovative healthcare solutions make it an attractive destination for Canadian firms seeking to expand in Southeast Asia's dynamic life sciences landscape. Significant opportunities for Canadian companies exist across three key areas:

Medical Devices: The market is expanding rapidly, driven by advanced healthcare infrastructure, rising demand for innovative technologies and Thailand's reputation as a top medical tourism destination. Canadian companies with expertise in high-tech medical solutions are well-positioned to address these growing needs.

Biopharmaceuticals: Supported by Thailand's BCG model, the biopharmaceutical sector is seeing increased demand for advanced treatments, particularly in response to an aging population and the rise in chronic diseases. Canadian firms can capitalize on this by offering innovative biopharma products.

Digital Health: The digital health sector offers the most immediate and scalable opportunities, propelled by advancements in telemedicine, mobile health apps and wearable technologies. Backed by government initiatives like Thailand 4.0, Canadian companies can introduce cutting-edge digital health solutions to a rapidly evolving market.

Travel considerations and expenses

Travel advice and advisories

No matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip and again shortly before you leave. Safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date.

Entry requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Thailand and Cambodia and must contain at least two blank pages for use by immigration officials.

Thailand

Holders of a Canadian passport do not require a visa to enter Thailand, as long as the duration of your stay does not exceed 60 days.

Thai Border officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your stay. If you are unable to do so, you may be denied entry.

You must get an entry stamp from an immigration officer at the point of entry into Thailand. Do not get your visa, visa extension or entry stamp from visa shops or travel agents in Thailand.

Cambodia

Business travellers holding a Canadian passport require a Type E business visa to enter Cambodia. It allows entry to Cambodia for a stay of 30 days and are valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Visas are available online for a fee of US$42.

Travel arrangements and expenses

Participants are responsible for organizing their own travel arrangements, including all air and ground transportation to and from the airport, and to make their own accommodation reservations. Programming and travel information (such as local transportation options and hotel block bookings) will be provided to confirmed participants as information becomes available.

There is no fee to participate in the trade mission. However, participants are responsible for covering all related travel costs, including airfare, accommodations, ground transportation and meals not included in the program.

Important

Please make sure to purchase cancellation insurance and/or a refundable ticket in the event that the trade mission dates change.

Funding programs

The Government of Canada, as well as individual provincial and territorial governments offer export financing and other programs that help Canadian businesses expand internationally. Please consult the Business Benefits Finder to find programs and services that might be suitable to your needs.

Submit your application

All applications will be subject to a screening process to assess export readiness (for companies), eligibility and suitability for the trade mission. To deliver a robust program that is beneficial to participating companies, the Trade Commissioner Service reserves the right to select those Canadian export-ready companies and other organizations that are the most aligned with the sectoral focus and the objectives of the mission.

We anticipate a high volume of applications for this mission. To maximize the number of organizations able to participate, a maximum of two representatives per organization can register for the trade mission. In addition, some specific program elements may have capacity limits that may only allow for the attendance of one representative per organization.

If you are selected to be part of the trade mission, you will be provided with a detailed program and additional resources to assist you in making your travel arrangements.

Application deadline: February 14, 2025, 23:59 (P.T.)

We strive to provide a decision on your application by mid-February.

Submit your application

Resources

Contact us

Questions? Please reach out to the Team Canada Trade Missions Team at tctm-mcec.tha-khm@international.gc.ca or the Trade Commissioner Service.

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