The Asia Pacific Foundation is an independent, not-for-profit think-tank on Canada’s relations with Asia. The Foundation functions as a knowledge broker, bringing together people and knowledge to provide current and comprehensive research, analysis and information on Canada’s transpacific relations. It promotes dialogue on economic, security, political and social issues, fostering informed decision-making in the Canadian public, private and non-governmental sectors. The CCBC is a supporter of the APF and their website is loaded with great information. Please check it out.
Every year they out with their Outlook for the coming year about Asia and for any companies doing business in Asia, it is a worthwhile read.
Some highlights are:
Canada-Asia Relations:
- 98% of Canadians engaged in Asia believe China is important to the overall prosperity of Canada. Yet, just 38% see current Canada-China relations in a positive light, well behind other G20 Asian countries (notably Japan -69%, and Australia -79%).
- 64% of Canadians engaged in Asia feel the Canadian government currently gives a high priority to its relations with China. Yet, 96% believe Canada-China relations should move up the government’s priority ladder. A similar trend is noted with India (59% currently a high priority, 90% should be a high priority).
- 9% of Asia practitioners think the Canadian government currently ranks Asia as the most important region with whom it has relations; fully 37% believe the government should put Asia at the top of its list, behind the United States (63%), but well ahead of Europe (1%).
Economic, and Peace/Security Outlook for Asia in 2011:
- 92% of Canadians engaged in Asia foresee an overall positive economic outlook for China; 89% hold the same view for India. Japan is seen to have the least positive economic prospects (32%).
- Far fewer see any substantial risk emerging from the U.S. strengthening its military ties in Asia (24%), the deterioration of U.S.-China relations (37%), or the modernization of China’s military capabilities (38%).
Priorities for Canada in Asia in 2011:
Canadians engaged in Asia identify three policy actions or initiatives they feel should be given a high priority by the federal government over the next 12 months:
- Developing and preparing a foreign policy specifically for Asia -86%
- Strengthening educational linkages with Asia countries -81%
- Prime Ministerial visit to China -75%
For a complete look at the report, go to this link:
I have always enjoyed any dialogue that I have had with members from the APF.
Once again, if you are involved in Asia in anyway, make the APF website a bookmarked page as their information is always useful and informative.
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