# Canada-Viet Nam economic and strategic partnership > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canada-viet-nam-economic-and-strategic-partnership > Updated: 2026-09-24T20:08:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Canada and Viet Nam are deepening their economic and strategic relationship, moving beyond traditional goods trade toward high-value sectors. Initial efforts focused on expanding cooperation in clean energy, critical minerals, advanced technology, aerospace, and the defense industry, while leveraging the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Building on this economic foundation, the two nations have established a new Strategic Partnership. A key component of this evolution is an expanded air transport agreement that permits direct passenger and cargo flights between the two nations for the first time. Under the new terms, airlines from each country are permitted to operate up to 14 combined passenger-and-cargo flights per week, alongside up to seven dedicated all-cargo flights weekly. The agreement also includes fifth-freedom rights for cargo services, allowing airlines to carry traffic between two foreign countries on services originating or terminating in their home country. This development supports Canada’s Indo-Pacific and Trade Diversification strategies by facilitating the movement of goods and strengthening people-to-people ties. Following a state visit by Vietnamese President Tô Lâm, Air Canada has expressed interest in the agreement and intends to seek regulatory approvals to launch scheduled service to Ho Chi Minh City, potentially as early as 2027. While the agreement establishes capacity for increased connectivity, specific airlines, routes, and launch dates for passenger services have not yet been finalized by the federal government. Canadian officials noted that Viet Nam remains a significant trading partner in Southeast Asia, with two-way merchandise trade totaling $20.6 billion in 2025. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Canada and Vietnam sign expanded air transport agreement Canada and Vietnam have signed an expanded air transport agreement allowing for the first direct passenger and cargo flights between the two countries. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-and-vietnam-to-launch-direct-flights-under-new-agreement ### 2026-09-12: Canada and Viet Nam expand economic cooperation into technology and energy Canada and Viet Nam are deepening economic ties, moving beyond traditional trade into clean energy, critical minerals, and advanced technology through the CPTPP framework. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-and-viet-nam-expand-economic-cooperation-into-technology-and-energy --- Cite as: Canada-Viet Nam economic and strategic partnership. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canada-viet-nam-economic-and-strategic-partnership