Canada’s new ambassador to Vietnam eyes stronger ties in trade, security, development

In his greeting video, Ambassador Nickel highlighted Vietnam’s growing importance as a partner in Southeast Asia and reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.

“I’m truly honored to serve in a country like Vietnam with its rich culture, its dynamic economy and extremely welcoming people,” Nickel said. 

Nickel, who has spent years working across Asia, said that experience has shaped his “deep respect for Southeast Asia and the values Canada and Vietnam share: openness, innovation and partnership.”

Vietnam is Canada’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia.

Nickel said there is “great opportunity to further grow this economic partnership by boosting investment and enhancing our cooperation in science, technology and innovation,” as well as supporting businesses from both countries in accessing each other’s market.

As an example, he noted that in 2025, “we had our first shipment of Canadian blueberries enter the Vietnamese market.” 

He described such exports as “high quality, safe, sustainably produced agricultural products” that he thinks Vietnamese consumers would enjoy.

Nickel also pointed to Canada’s contributions to Vietnam’s growing aviation sector, including “pilot training simulators to cutting-edge aviation technologies,” which he said support connectivity, safety and innovation.

On defense and security, the ambassador highlighted bilateral efforts in military training and education through Canada’s cooperation plan. 

He said Canada has provided training ranging from “battlefield first aid” to “assistance in design development and delivery of staff officer training.”

“Our collaboration with the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations will assist Vietnam in its realization of the goal to establish a regional peacekeeping center of excellence,” he said, calling the relationship a reflection of “our shared commitment to defense, security, and regional stability.”

He also cited progress in migration and border cooperation, including “regular dialogue, joint training and capacity building efforts.”

Nickel emphasized the importance of people-to-people connections and said he was pleased to see “30 years of development cooperation between Canada and Vietnam.”

“That’s 30 years of experience on contributing to sustainable development, improving the livelihoods of people, and dealing with issues such as climate resilience, which is increasingly important,” he said.

He pointed to a recent Canada Fund for Local Initiatives project in Nghe An Province, which “provided humanitarian support to communities affected by storms and floods and strengthened local climate resilience.”

“Canada and Vietnam enjoy a relationship built on shared values, mutual respect, and a vision for a better future,” Nickel said.

“From Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, from the Mekong Delta to the Northern Highlands, here's looking to a bright future together.”