[Canada Report] Japan and Canada hold trade talks

作者: Gabrielle Bishop on 23 April , 2013.
类别: All, Asia, Economic, News, Others, Society

Below is a round-up of recent news from Canada concerning Canada and Asia-Pacific relations.

Japan, Canada Hold Trade Talks

Japan and Canada are set to hold a second round of trade talks from April 22nd to 26th, 2013.

These come just weeks after the two countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs (John Baird, Canada; Fumio Kishida, Japan) met in London during the recent G8 Foreign Minsters’ Meeting.

While the Canadian government hopes that the nation’s rich supply of natural energy will be of certain interest to Japan (who, since the 2011 Fukushima reactor disaster has began to look towards nuclear energy alternatives), it’s unclear whether or not Tokyo will shift its focus away from two other prominent free trade talks. Currently, Japan is in the process of negotiating free trade agreements with South Korea and China, as well as with the EU.

Both governments agree that the two countries would each make significant gains from such an agreement. A recent joint-governmental study showed that Canada’s agriculture, aerospace and energy industries would benefit significantly from the trade deal. For Japan, this would be the first time a free trade agreement was signed between them and a G8 member country.

“Canada and Japan have a long history of economic cooperation, but there remain enormous opportunities for expanding trade and investment between our two countries.” the Canadian Minister of Trade, Ed Fast said in a recent statement.

“That’s why we are building on the positive momentum in our relationship and taking it to the next level with an agreement that will generate significant benefits for people in both our countries.”

World Economic Forum Ranks Canada #5 Top Tourist Destination

Up from ninth last year, Canada has landed the eighth place as the world’s overall most competitive country in the areas of travel and tourism.

Northern lights shine in Canada’s Northwest Territories region (Photo: Fodor’s)

The World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2013 recently assessed 140 economies, based on policy and developments in their travel and tourism sectors. This year’s theme explored “Reducing Barriers to Economic Growth and Job Creation.”

This year’s top 10 featured only one Asian nation, Singapore. Recognized for having excellent transportation and infrastructure, Singapore also came on top for its policy environment.

Canada’s rank as a top tourist destination was influenced by its rich natural resources (10th), the presence of several World Heritage sites (5th) and highly-qualified human resources (5th). Culture also played a significant role in the ranking, as Canada has recently played host to several international fairs and exhibitions.

However, Canada lost ground in the areas of price competitiveness and commitment to environmental regulations and sustainability.

While revenue from Canada’s tourism industry took a short dip in 2009, rates have since recovered and are continuing to rise. As of 2012, Canada’s tourism industry had contributed to just under $18.9 billion USD to the national GDP.

The report can be found online here.

Vancouver Hosts 2013 Pacific Energy Summit

From April 2nd to 4th, Vancouver played host to several international representatives who discussed “Forging Trans-Pacific Cooperation for a New Energy Era” in both private and public sector contexts.

As global energy needs become more and more prominent, the Asia-Pacific region has emerged as the world’s most economically dynamic area.

This invitation-only event, co-hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and the National Bureau of Asian Research, drew together experts from around the globe to discuss the future of international environmental and economic issues and opportunities surrounding natural energy.

Some of the session topics included: “The Golden Age of Gas: How Far Can It Take Us?”, “Waste Not, Want Not: Securing Energy Supplies through Efficiency” and “Finding Common Ground to Meet Energy and Environmental Goals.”

The summit was attended by representatives from various governments, think tanks, and multi-national corporations.

It concluded on April 4th with remarks from the National Bureau of Asian Research and the Honourable Kevin Lynch, Vice-Chair of the Bank of Montreal (BMO) Financial Group.

First Canadian Ambassador to Live in Burma (Myanmar) Appointed

Mark McDowell becomes the first formal envoy from Canada to Burma (Photo: China.com)

Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Mark McDowell, a current Canadian embassy worker in China, will be the nation’s first resident ambassador to Burma.

McDowell’s past diplomatic experience has taken him to Taipei, New York City and Bangkok.

A new Canadian embassy is set to open in Burma later this year, with previous diplomatic and trade relations having been conducted through Thailand.

Canadian diplomatic officials have made two visits in the past year to the former military dictatorship, which despite being rich in natural resources, is Southeast Asia’s poorest country.

Recent mob attacks by Buddhist monks towards the Muslim minority have stirred tensions in the country in the past weeks.

Several countries, including Canada, have urged Burmese authorities to react peacefully.

New Canadian Visa Program to Attract More Skilled Immigrants

A new immigrant receives her Canadian Citizenship at a 2012 ceremony in Peterborough, Ontario (Photo: QMI Agency)

Earlier this month, Canada launched a new program aimed at increasing foreign investment, job creation and economic growth.

Dubbed the Start-Up Visa program, foreign nationals from a list of approved venture capital firms or investors will be able to apply for immediate permanent residency status.

The Kauffman Foundation (an American entrepreneurship organization) has estimated that up to 1.6 million new jobs could be created in the next decade as part of the program.

“The best part? It won’t cost taxpayers a cent,” said Vivek Wadhwa, academic and immigration author, in a recent email to Bloomberg Businessweek. “This can lead to tens of thousands of new startups,” Wadhwa noted. “It will do wonders for the economy.”

Canada’s Immigration Minister Jason Kenny will be heading to Silicon Valley in May to promote the Start-Up Visa program.

“We’re very conscious of the presence of thousands of brilliant, young IT specialists and entrepreneurs in the States who are on temporary visas, running out of runway,” Kenny said in a recent interview with Businessweek.

“Many of them have developed business concepts but can’t get permanent residency in the U.S.”

While Canada’s immigration policy is one of the most open in the world, the US stands in stark contrast with applicants sometimes waiting years to have their visa requests approved.

The Minister also expects to draw talent from India through the program.