Canada's Strategic Partnership with Peru and Colombia Takes Center Stage Amid Global Uncertainty
As Secretary of State Randeep Sarai concluded his recent visit to Peru and Colombia, the Canadian government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with South American nations. The trip, which included stops in Lamas, Shampuyacu, Moyobamba, Tarapoto, Bogotá, and Nazareth, marked a significant milestone in Canada's economic security, democratic values, and climate resilience efforts.
According to Global Affairs Canada, the visit reinforced existing partnerships and explored new opportunities for collaboration in trade, climate action, and inclusive growth. The announced $77.6 million in new projects for Peru, Colombia, and other South American countries underscores Canada's commitment to regional stability and prosperity.
While in Peru, Secretary Sarai visited a women-led business supported by Canadian programming and announced COMPETE, a new $5-million initiative by the Trade Facilitation Office Canada to help women-led small and medium-sized enterprises become export-ready. In Shampuyacu, he highlighted Canada's commitment to Indigenous-led climate action and gender equality, announcing $9.2 million for Ellas+ Resilientes, a project by Développement international Desjardins.
In Colombia, the visit focused on innovative financing, peace and security, and climate resilience. Secretary Sarai met with impact investors, entrepreneurs, and Indigenous leaders who are using climate-friendly solutions to grow local businesses and address food insecurity. He also announced Corridors of Resilience, a new $12-million fire management and restoration project for Colombia and Peru led by the United Nations Development Programme.
A Shared Commitment to Climate Action
Canada's partnerships with Peru and Colombia advance shared priorities like climate action, inclusive economic growth, and democratic resilience. These investments are helping empower women, Indigenous communities, and small businesses while supporting regional stability and protecting vital ecosystems like the Amazon.
"Canada's partnerships with Peru and Colombia advance shared priorities like climate action, inclusive economic growth and democratic resilience," said Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development). "These investments are helping empower women, Indigenous communities and small businesses while supporting regional stability and protecting vital ecosystems like the Amazon."
A Long-Standing Relationship
Peru has been a trusted partner to Canada for over 80 years, becoming Canada's second-largest commercial partner in South America and Peru's fourth-largest export market globally. International assistance has been a key pillar of Canada-Peru relations since 1968, with over $1.18 billion to support shared priorities of climate action, inclusive economic growth, good governance, and human rights.
Since 2007, Canada's trade with Peru has more than tripled, reaching $7.8 billion in 2024, driven by the Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.
Colombia is one of Canada's closest economic and political partners in the Americas, sharing over 70 years of diplomatic relations, a free trade agreement, and a solid trade partnership. Over the past 50 years, Canada has provided more than $560 million in international assistance to Colombia to directly support key priorities such as inclusive economic growth, climate action, gender equality, peace and security, and education.
A Shift towards Sustainable Development
The recent visit by Secretary Sarai marks a significant shift towards sustainable development for Canada-South America relations. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice, Canada's commitment to regional stability and prosperity takes on renewed importance.
In the coming months, Canada will continue to engage with its South American partners to promote inclusive, sustainable development. The government will work closely with international organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector to identify new opportunities for collaboration and support regional stability and resilience.
Outlook and Implications
Looking ahead, it is likely that Canada's partnerships with Peru and Colombia will play a key role in shaping the country's economic security, democratic values, and climate resilience efforts. The government's commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth will be crucial in addressing the complex challenges facing South America.
In the short term (next 6 months), Canada can expect to see increased cooperation on trade, climate action, and inclusive growth initiatives with Peru and Colombia. The government may also announce additional funding for projects supporting regional stability and prosperity.
In the long term (5-10 years), Canada's partnerships with Peru and Colombia are likely to contribute significantly to regional stability and resilience efforts. The country's commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth will help shape the future of South America, promoting a more prosperous and equitable region for all its citizens.