Canada’s Asia Rebalancing Act

Things have been heating up in the Asia-Pacific, politically but also economically. What does this mean for Canada? How do we balance our various trade and security relationships in the region during a time of leadership transition and shifting geopolitical alliances? This series asks whether Canada could best navigate the challenges of productive economic relations in Asia via strengthening relations with Japan and negotiating a successful Economic Partnership Agreement or EPA. With the second round of EPA negotiations coming up this April, as well as the 2013 Canada-Japan Trade Symposium, it is time to put the spotlight on the Canada-Japan relations. Join the conversation @TheCIC @AsiaPacificFdn @CdnChamberofCom #JapanEPA

Driving the Partnership Forward

David Worts on why eliminating the tariff on auto imports from Japan to Canada will be good for both countries.

Agri-Ambitions

Kathleen Sullivan on why agri-exports can’t be left out of a Canada-Japan free trade agreement.

Walking the Free Trade Talk

Julian Dierkes on why Japan presents an opportunity to turn free trade rhetoric into reality.

A New Energy Relationship

Kay Tsujimoto on why fossil fuels could energize the Canada-Japan relationship.

No Time Like the Present

Sadaaki Numata on why Japan and Canada need to concentrate on closing a free trade deal.

Abe’s Bold Moves

Len Edwards on what Abeonomics could mean for the Japan-Canada relationship.

Business Interests

The Japanese market represents a great opportunity for Canada says Milos Barutciski. Canadian business needs to seize it.

The Promise of an EPA with Japan

Perrin Beatty makes the case for Canada to focus on negotiating an ambitious Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan.

Economic Ties

Canada’s economic relationship with Japan is an important one – and will become only more important should the two countries agree on a free-trade deal – as this infographic shows.

Building Bridges

Canada doesn’t need to choose between strengthening relations with either China or Japan says James Manicom.

The “Only Choice”

Atsushi Tago and Srdjan Vucetic compare the Canadian and Japanese F-35 decisions.

Common Values, Challenging Differences

Gerald Wright on the past, present, and future of the Japan-Canada relationship.

The CBC has been covering the anticipated Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) talks since last year. After Prime Minister Harper’s visit to Tokyo in March of 2012, the CBC outlined the plan formally announced at the conclusion of the bilateral meeting. Harper promised an emphasis on trade, with particular gains to be made in the areas of aerospace, energy, and agribusiness. The CBC also highlighted comments from detractors, who urged the PM to come to an agreement with Canadian priorities in mind.

Charles McMillan and George Stalk of the National Post saw the big picture opportunities of increased Canadian trade with Japan, and argued that our country could serve as a ‘gateway’ for introducing Asian and European goods to North America. They cited our strong transportation infrastructure as a key feature that gives Canada the advantage in receiving and dispersing Asian goods across the continent. Read the full article, republished here by the Asia Pacific Foundation.

DFAIT recently released a brief highlighting the possible gains of deeper trade integration with Japan. The Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, announced the second round of negotiations for a Japan Canada partnership, promising results in employment numbers, GDP growth, and future prosperity. Read the report here.

The Financial Post pointed out an interesting feature of the negotiations (and one that will appeal to tech-minded readers): North Plains, a company “helping companies leverage their visual media assets,“ announced their official intent to join the Canadian delegation to Tokyo for trade talks. The Tokyo conversations will put particular focus on expanding integration in information and communications technology.

Our bilateral relationship is also getting attention across the Pacific. The Japan Times reported that Tokyo will be sending Jun Yokota, a seasoned negotiator, to head the Japanese team. The newspaper also highlights Japan’s import and export sectors of priority, and indicate the government has signaled a willingness to lower tariffs and protections that have kept their markets off-limits in the past.

On April 9th, the Globe and Mail reported the dates of the upcoming bilateral trade symposium in Ottawa, and warned Canadians that there are various larger investors courting Japan for deeper ties. Although the Globe cautioned that other G8 countries have an interest in Japan, it also noted Canada’s perceived advantage—our rich energy resources, in which an energy-crippled Japan has a keen interest.