In September 2023, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Paul Thoppil as Canada’s first ever Indo-Pacific Trade Representative, based in Jakarta, Indonesia. This new position, an outcome of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (launched in November 2022) is focused on deepening Canada’s trade and investment links in the Indo-Pacific region. Since arriving in the region, Mr. Thoppil has travelled extensively, often alongside Canadian companies and provincial representatives, meeting government and corporate leaders to boost Canadian exports and attract foreign investment.
The incoming federal government’s pledge to review Canada’s foreign policy offers a timely opportunity to take stock of the Indo-Pacific Strategy as Canada looks to accelerate trade diversification and recalibrate and deepen relations with this important region.
Vina Nadjibulla, Vice-President Research & Strategy, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, will share some "Strategic Reflections" drawing from contributions from experts on the implementation of the Strategy and its impact, highlighting successes and priorities to ensure it remains effective in advancing Canadian interests in the region.
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