Office workers walk to the train station during evening rush hour in the financial district of Singapore March 9, 2015. (Reuters photo)SINGAPORE - Canada's trade finance agency is launching its first global branch in Singapore as the country steps up efforts to boost business ties with Asia following the withdrawal of the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. EDC aims to facilitate transactions between Canadian and Asian businesses worth 3.5-4 billion Canadian dollars (US$2.7-$3 billion) annually for the next four years. Annual two-way trade between Canadian and Asian businesses and consumers stands at around 170 billion Canadian dollars. "There will be various forms of trade agreements in the region and Canada wants to be part of that," he said.

Source: Bangkok Post March 24, 2017 10:07 UTC