Speaking to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation in Lima, the prime minister said making international trade easier is the best path to world economic prosperity, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

He added that Canada is committed to "pursuing mutually beneficial economic relations with like-minded nations" worldwide.

"When it comes to Canada's support of free and open economies and markets, our view is based on the success of our North American partnerships," Harper said. "We took a close and trusting relationship with the United States and we transformed it into the most successful commercial partnership in the history of the world."

Harper also said countries should be "vigilant" against the rise of protectionism as they face souring economies.