Dynamic Region Dept: While 60 per cent of Canadians believe the influence of China on the world stage will surpass that of the U.S. in the next decade, only 29 per cent see Canada as part of the Asia-Pacific region. That's a 10-point decrease in the past four years, according to a survey by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, according to Globe And Mail. A new report by the Canadian International Council offers a set of prescriptions about how to harness the potential of the world's fastest-growing market. Many of the ideas are worth considering and however, Canadians more broadly still seem indifferent to the great economic potential of Asia. There is an inherent contradiction in this reluctance to foster a deeper trade and cultural relationship with an increasingly dynamic region. Business leaders in Canada have not made Asia a priority. Less than 1 per cent of imports into Asia originate here, and Canada has not concluded a single free-trade agreement anywhere in Asia. If this trend continues, it could undermine Canada's economy. It is especially puzzling given the deep immigration links that already tie Canada to India and China. As
reported in the news.
@t globe and mail, asia pacific region
25.7.10
