Harper talks trade, security in Asia

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in Asia for a week-long official visit. Accompanied by four cabinet ministers, he will visit Thailand, Japan and South Korea.

The impetus for the trip is the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul starting on March 26. Leaders from 53 countries will attend, including U.S. President Barack Obama and the Thai and Japanese leaders. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will also attend.

This major gathering of world leaders will discuss weapons proliferation, securing nuclear materials and preventing nuclear terrorism. It follows the inaugural summit in Washington in 2010.

The Seoul newspaper Chosun Ilbo, expects some 200 bilateral summits will take place on the sidelines of the nuclear summit. None involving Harper have been announced.

In Thailand, a Canadian task force has been tackling the human smuggling issue after Tamils from Sri Lanka sailed from Thailand to the B.C. coast in 2010.

Here's a look at Canada's relationship with each of the three countries:

Sources include: International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organization, Industry Canada, Asia Pacific Foundation, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Prime Minister's Office.

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