TORONTO — Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy is a good first step, but more details are needed on how the country can close gaps at home that could impede the strategy’s success, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says.
The plan promises $2.3 billion in funding to help Canada form closer ties with countries in the region, marking a move to diversify trading in the region amid concerns about China’s influence. The Business Council of Canada said Monday the country needs to do a better job of getting critical resources and energy to market in the Indo-Pacific region.
He said the Indo-Pacific region is home to a diverse set of countries and negotiating with each of them will be easier said than done, especially in countries that differ significantly from Canada on issues like worker rights.