When: Tuesday, 6 June
Where: The Sticky Wicket Pub, the Strathcona Hotel, 919 Douglas Street
Time: 5 – 7:00 pm (doors open at 5 pm)

The Indo-Pacific is the world’s fastest-growing economic region and accounts for 65% of the global population. By 2030, it will be home to two-thirds of the global middle class. The Indo-Pacific is also Canada’s second-largest regional export market, after the United States, with annual 2-way trade valued at $226 billion. Furthermore, nearly 1 out of 5 Canadians has family ties to the Indo-Pacific and it is also home to 60% of Canada’s international students. In late November last year, Canada released its Indo-Pacific Strategy, a comprehensive roadmap aimed at rebalancing and strengthening Canada’s engagement in this important region. As Southeast Asia is one of the areas highlighted by the strategy, how might this new initiative affect Canada’s relations with this dynamic and diverse region? Join Phil Calvert as he discusses Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific Strategy – what needs to be done, how Canada is perceived, and where the gaps are in Canada’s plans for stronger engagement.

Philip Calvert is a Senior Fellow with the China Institute of the University of Alberta. He served in Beijing as a Trade Commissioner (1984-87), Economic Counsellor (1994-1997) and Minister & Deputy Head of Mission (2004-2008). In Global Affair Canada he served as Director General for North Asia, Deputy Chief Negotiator for Canada during China’s accession to the WTO and as Director of the Technical Barriers to Trade Division. Most recently he spent 2012-2016 as Canada’s ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

To attend the PiP, please email cicvicpip@gmail.com no later than Friday, 2 June. This PiP is open to CIC members only.

– The cost to attend is $20, which will cover a first drink and a round of appetizers. Attendance is limited so please don’t wait to register.
– Confirmation of your registration along with payment instructions will be provided.
– If you are not able to attend after registering, and there is a waiting list, your registration fee will be reimbursed. If we have no waiting list, unfortunately refunds cannot be given.