[Interview] "10 Years of Korea-Canada FTA... Trade Volume Increased by 82.5%"

Tamara Mohini, Canadian Ambassador to Korea
Similar Economic Scale and Carbon Emissions to Korea
Maximizing Synergy by Sharing Know-How
Will Be Best Friends for the Next 60 Years

"The relationship between Korea and Canada has reached its highest point since the establishment of diplomatic ties in various aspects such as society, culture, economy, and security. Recently, with the ongoing global supply chain crisis and the strengthening of international regulations due to the climate crisis, there are many areas where the two countries can create synergy. If the relationship over the past 60 years has been that of 'good friends,' the next 60 years will be that of 'best friends.'

Interview with Tamara Mohyani, Canadian Ambassador to Korea

Tamara Mohyani, Canadian Ambassador to Korea, is being interviewed by Asia Economy at the Canadian Embassy in Jeong-dong, Seoul. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

Tamara Mohyani, the Canadian Ambassador to Korea, evaluated the relationship between Korea and Canada since the establishment of diplomatic ties in an interview with Asia Economy on the 11th and expressed her desire to continue cooperation with Korea in the future. The Korea-Canada relationship is developing faster than ever. Since Korea upgraded Canada to a 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership' in 2022, various memorandums of understanding (MOUs) have been signed in multiple sectors, and local investments are actively progressing.

Canada is in a similar position to Korea regarding geopolitical risks such as the US-China trade war. Both countries are pillars of the free world but cannot exclude relations with China.

Canada is recognized as a model country in achieving the global agenda of net zero (carbon neutrality) and the AI revolution. It set concrete goals early on to reduce carbon emissions by 40-50% from 2005 levels by 2030 through consultations with stakeholders such as companies, and as a result of decades of government-level research and development (R&D) support and AI budget investment, outstanding talents and world-class research institutes have emerged.

Ambassador Mohyani said, "Canada wants to share know-how and experience in each country's areas of strength to overcome various upcoming global crises together with Korea." On that day, the reporter walked around the Canadian Embassy in Jung-gu, Seoul, with Ambassador Mohyani and asked about the evaluation of Korea-Canada relations as well as Canada's stance on international issues such as the US-China trade war and the US presidential election.

Tamara Mohyani, the Canadian Ambassador to Korea, wanted to take a photo with the Canada-Korea Year of Cultural Exchange home banner on Jeongdong-gil in front of the embassy, so she stood on the roadside curb. Photo by Younghan Heo younghan@

Q. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Korea-Canada Free Trade Agreement (FTA). How do you evaluate its achievements so far?

"Korea was the first Asia-Pacific country with which Canada signed an FTA. Since the Korea-Canada FTA came into effect, bilateral trade volume has increased by about 82.5%, exceeding 20 billion Canadian dollars annually. Korea is strategically important for Canada’s market diversification and creation of future new growth engines. In 2019, based on GDP, Canada and Korea ranked 10th and 11th respectively, reflecting their large and similar economic scales, so there are tremendous areas where synergy can be realized going forward."

Q. In which fields can Korea and Canada strengthen cooperation in the future?

"Canada brings energy resources to the table, and Korea brings manufactured goods, creating a win-win situation that continues to develop. Especially since 2022, Korean investment in Canadian electric vehicles (EVs) has increased significantly. Regarding climate change and supply chain security, which the international community faces, Korea and Canada have a complementary relationship. Also, the global carbon emission shares of Korea and Canada were 2.7% and 2.5% respectively in 2022, which are similar. Since both countries emit a lot, climate-related fields will become major areas of cooperation in the future."

Canada is considered a leading AI powerhouse. It hosts the world-renowned Vector Institute, and 'AI godfather' Geoffrey Hinton developed deep learning algorithms right in Canada. This is why President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the University of Toronto in Canada in September 2022 to meet with Professor Hinton and Vector Institute CEO Gary Gibson to lay the groundwork for Korea’s AI industry.

Q. How did Canada become a 'leader in AI'?

"Canada has implemented government-level policies supporting research and development (R&D) for AI advancement since the 2000s. Vancouver and Toronto have become havens for AI research centers. The AI strategy is not the result of overnight success. The establishment of frameworks respecting diversity and inclusion in still-developing fields is also a driving force behind the AI industry's growth."

Q. With the recent escalation of US-China trade conflicts, what strategy is Canada adopting?

"Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy states that the Chinese economy continues to provide significant opportunities for Canadian companies. Canada has long-standing friendships with the US and Europe, but China is also an important partner. Currently, Canadian authorities recognize and monitor the oversupply issue of Chinese electric vehicles, but unlike the US and Europe, Canada has not yet made decisions against China. The approach should not be political; as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Canada must identify unfair trade practices. China is important for Canada’s key agenda of clean energy transition."

Recently, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that Canada is conducting comprehensive lobbying efforts to protect 'economic security' ahead of the US presidential election, especially due to concerns that protectionist policies might strengthen if former President Trump wins re-election.

Q. Is Canada preparing for the impact of this year’s US presidential election results, especially since the US is an important partner in energy trade?

"The border between Canada and the US is the longest undefended border in the world. The relationship between the US and Canada extends beyond just the two presidents, involving communities, provincial governments, and all stakeholders. Regulatory cooperation is well established, so whether Biden or Trump is in office, the economic security between the two countries will not easily change. The annual trade volume in the energy sector exceeds 200 billion dollars (20% of total trade). This level will be well maintained."

Q. Canada is proactive in achieving net zero and has succeeded in codifying ESG regulations. How was resistance minimized?

"Canada successfully enacted regulatory legislation to achieve net zero by 2050. The Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act (2021), which explicitly sets the goal of net zero by 2050, is a representative example. From the legislative stage, stakeholders including the public, companies, and civic groups were involved to ensure transparency and credibility. Deliberations on climate issues have matured to the extent of discussing carbon tax increases."

For example, Edmonton International Airport (EIA), Canada’s largest airport, made a groundbreaking announcement at the 'Alberta Korea Forum 2024' held in Seoul last March that it will use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030. SAF is aviation fuel made from eco-friendly raw materials such as seaweed instead of petroleum. It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% compared to conventional aviation fuel.

Q. Korea is facing a record low birthrate and a sharp decline in the future labor population, with immigration being discussed as an alternative. Canada is a country where immigration policy is well established.

"Canada’s immigration policy enjoys strong support from the private sector. Its foundation comes from laws that are transparent and clear. Also, for immigration policy to be effective, a system or framework that allows organic interaction with other policies is necessary. Korea should consider this."