In the News
APF Canada's media responses to the latest issues and events in Asia presented in chronological order
Escalating tensions between India and Canada spark trade worries: experts
Canadian Press (syndicated), September 19, 2023
Featuring: Jeff Nankivell, APF Canada President & CEO
Reporter: Ian Bickis
Extract:
"Canada's trade relationship with India has so far failed to reach its potential," said Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada President Jeff Nankivell. "This rift jeopardizes existing exports and efforts to boost trade between the two countries."
"India's response could include drummed-up concerns about pest levels in agricultural imports, a practice that India, and much more so China, have allegedly used to hit trade partners," Nankivell said.
"There's a risk in these situations of arbitrary trade measures."
Nankivell also raised that possibility, noting that the Foundation's monitoring of Indian media shows it has been sharply critical of Canada's actions so far.
He said that with what is a criminal investigation into the killing still ongoing, he expects further pain for the bilateral relationship in the coming months as more revelations potentially come to light, with no resumption of trade talks expected for quite a long time.
"Canadian pensions and businesses will still be looking to expand in the country," said Nankivell, "but will likely be quieter about it."
"You'll see that continue, but they'll probably want to keep a low profile about it ... not waving the Canadian flag as much as they would have a few years ago."
Expanding B.C.-India trade likely challenged by new diplomatic strains
Vancouver Sun, September 19, 2023
Featuring: Jeff Nankivell, APF Canada President & CEO
Reporter: Derrick Penner
Extract:
Still, it is "hard to understate just how dramatic" Trudeau’s allegations were in damaging the relationship between the two countries, which won’t make trade easier, according to Jeff Nankivell, CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
Diplomatic relations between the countries have "been strained for decades" over issues such as India’s use of Canadian technology in its nuclear-weapons program and support of Canadian Sikh diaspora communities for Khalistan independence, Nankivell said.
"It was already a trade relationship that was, by all accounts, underperforming relative to the potential, if you look at the Indian economy and what Canada can supply," Nankivell said.
"So I think the first casualty of the new situation will be diminished enthusiasm on both sides for taking big steps to expand trade and investment ties."
The Globe and Mail
What Trudeau’s allegations could mean for the Canada-India economic relationship
The Globe and Mail, September 19, 2023
Featuring: Jeff Nankivell, APF Canada President & CEO
Reporter: Jason Kirby
Extract:
"A potential area of vulnerability would be the imposition of arbitrary phytosanitary measures on agrifood products to exert pressure, because that has happened in the past," said Jeff Nankivell, Chief Executive Officer of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
