Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy- A Model for Middle-Power Economic Engagement?

Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) provides a framework for Canada’s relationship with the leading growth region in the global economy. The IPS approaches the Indo-Pacific as a strategic arena for comprehensive foreign policy, with economic/business linkages as an essential component. This is important for Canada’s wider strategic goals, since for the Indo-Pacific countries, particularly for emerging economies of Southeast and South Asia, economic development is a fundamental priority. It is also in Canada’s interest to deepen and diversify economic/business linkages with the region, particularly given a US economic policy environment with uncertain implications for both Canada and Asia. The following initiatives could then serve to implement the economic goals of the IPS, reflecting key developments in the region: (1) Japan could be a valuable region-wide partner in areas identified as Canadian priorities; (2) Thailand could be an effective “gateway country” for business linkages with ASEAN and beyond; and similarly, (3) Bangladesh could play the role of a gateway country for South Asia, also linking it to Southeast Asia