Australia and Canada have signalled deeper cooperation in manufacturing and industrial capability following talks in Canberra between Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to a joint statement released by the two governments.
The leaders met during Carney’s first official visit to Australia as prime minister and outlined a broad agenda covering economic security, clean energy, advanced technology and defence, with several initiatives touching on manufacturing, supply chains and industrial collaboration.
Both leaders acknowledged the shared democratic values underpinning the bilateral relationship and recognised the longstanding partnership between the two countries, including the 40th anniversary of the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Arrangement.
They also noted that increasing strategic competition and geopolitical tensions were creating new challenges for national security and economic resilience.
According to the joint statement, the leaders emphasised the importance of strong domestic economies supported by open and predictable global trade.
They agreed to establish formal discussions between economic portfolio ministers to identify projects that could deepen cooperation and support prosperity and resilience in both countries and across the Indo-Pacific region.
Industry ministers from Australia and Canada will also hold meetings supported by senior officials to strengthen collaboration on industrial policy and economic security.
The leaders said these discussions are expected to examine areas where cooperation could reinforce supply chains and industrial capability.
The two governments also committed to modernising the Australia-Canada Tax Treaty to encourage greater investment, including joint investments in large-scale national infrastructure and development projects.
The leaders noted that both countries host significant pension funds and welcomed increased engagement between financial institutions, including a memorandum of understanding signed in Sydney on 4 March between IFM Investors, Canadian pension funds and Australian superannuation funds.
In the energy sector, the leaders welcomed the signing of a new Australia-Canada Clean Energy Partnership aimed at expanding two-way trade and investment in clean energy industries.
The partnership is expected to support the scaling up of clean technologies, grid modernisation and the development of secure supply chains while contributing to economic growth and emissions reductions.
The joint statement also highlighted cooperation in advanced technology sectors, including artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Under a new memorandum of understanding, Australia’s Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute and its Canadian counterpart will expand collaboration on evaluating and mitigating risks associated with AI technologies.
The leaders noted ongoing work under the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership, which includes cooperation in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity and startup ecosystems.
Health and biomanufacturing also featured in the discussions. The leaders welcomed a renewed pandemic preparedness contract between Canada’s Public Health Agency and CSL Seqirus for the supply of cell-based influenza vaccines manufactured in Victoria, Australia, in the event of a declared influenza pandemic.
Australia and Canada also highlighted opportunities for collaboration in critical minerals, where both countries are major global producers. The leaders committed to strengthening cooperation on investment, standards and supply chain resilience and confirmed that resources ministers will meet annually to advance work under a previously signed declaration on critical minerals cooperation.
Beyond economic and industrial collaboration, the leaders discussed defence and security cooperation, agreeing to establish a biennial defence ministers’ meeting and to expand work on technologies such as over-the-horizon radar systems.
The initiative will combine Australia’s Jindalee Operational Radar Network expertise with Canada’s experience in high-frequency radar operations in the Arctic.
The joint statement also outlined cooperation in border security, disaster resilience, civil space activities and polar science, as well as efforts to counter foreign interference and transnational crime.
