Woo: What issue should John Baird prioritize?

By:
Yuen Pau Woo
/
21 June, 2011
By: Yuen Pau Woo
President and CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

Never mind what I think.  Here’s what the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s panel of nearly 700 Canadians with professional interests in Asia have to say: The top priority for Mr Baird is to develop an Asia Strategy for Canada.  It should have a regional as well as bilateral focus, and should i) strengthen educational linkages, ii) encourage Asian companies to invest in Canada, especially regional head offices, and iii) promote teaching about Asia and Asian languages in the school system. Our panel believes that a strategic focus on Asia would have the added benefit of enhancing Canada’s standing in the world and improving our bargaining position with the US.  Hence, an Asia Strategy is not just a set of geographic programs, but is central to Canada’s domestic and global interests. More at www.asiapacific.ca

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