How did Stephen Harper try to expand Canada’s trade relationships in Asia?

Stephen Harper sought to expand Canada’s trade relationships in Asia by prioritizing new partnerships as economic growth in traditional markets, such as the United States, began to lag.1

His efforts included:

• Trade Missions: In 2012, Harper launched a series of trade missions, including meetings in Beijing that resulted in 21 commercial agreements. He also visited India, the Philippines, and Hong Kong to cultivate stronger economic ties.1
• Trans-Pacific Partnership: In June 2012, Harper announced that Canada would join the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This initiative involved talks aimed at establishing a massive Asia-Pacific free-trade zone with partners including Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Australia, and New Zealand.1

These initiatives were part of a broader strategy to diversify Canada's international trade portfolio during his time as prime minister.1