Canadian International Council GPS Report Supports Expansion of Pacific Gateway, New Approach to China

(Canada-Asia News Service)

The Canadian International Council has released a report, Open Canada: A Global Positioning Strategy for a Networked Age, which offers a vision of a Canadian role in a world where power is shifting and pressing international issues present serious challenges to the status quo. A chapter focused on Canada’s relations with Asia examines the encumbered execution that continually hampers Canada’s ability to punch above (or even equivalent to) its weight in Asia.

The rise of Asia, particularly China and India, is identified as a key ‘game changer’ of the global economic and governance landscape. The report outlines recommendations for Canada to advance its relationship with these strategic partners including: the need to expand the Pacific Gateway strategy to encourage Chinese and Indian companies to locate their headquarters and distribution centers in BC, effectively turning Vancouver into North America’s premier Asian business hub; and to build an Economic Bridge Agreement with China that includes a strong human connection component, including promoting the first-ever dual-citizenship arrangement with China.

Yuen Pau Woo, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, was a panel member of a small group that acted as the advisory committee for the global positioning strategy project. The full report can be accessed t here.