44 per cent of BC exports go to markets in the Asia Pacific. 20 per cent of Canadians have family ties to the region. According to Global Affairs Canada the “Indo-Pacific region will play a critical role in shaping Canada’s future over the next half-century.”
The region has 40 economies including China and India, almost two-thirds of the world’s population, and $47.19-trillion in economic activity. It is home to half of Canada’s top trading partners.
The opportunities are tremendous. So are the challenges.
Canada’s relationship with India hit a new low this year when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested the country may have been involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in BC. India retaliated by halting the issuance of travel visas to Canadians and threatening to revoke the protections accorded to Canadian diplomats in that country, prompting Canada to withdraw 41 staff.
China is BC’s second largest trading partner after the USA. It’s not a comfortable relationship – Canada has recently criticized the Chinese government for unfair trade practices and human rights abuses. China has been accused of espionage and operating a shadowy network of unofficial police stations in Canada engaged in intimidation of Canadians with Chinese heritage and their families – including Canadian MP Michael Chong. Military tensions are rising in the region.
The panel:
- Sukesh Kumar, Audit Partner and National Leader of KPMG’s India Practice in Canada
- Duncan Wilson, Port of Vancouver Vice President, Environment and External Affairs
- Jeff Nankivell, President & CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
- Brenda Bailey, BC Minister of Jobs, Economic Development & Investment
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