Published by Senator Mobina Jaffer on 07 September 2010
The Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade is studying the rise of Russia, China and India as in the new global economy these three countries have significant implications for Canada's future prosperity. The Committee members have already visited Russia and China. To complete the study the members are now on a fact-finding mission in India. We will be visiting three cities: New Delhi (the capital of India), Hyderabad, and Mumbai (the financial Centre of India).
For me, there are many emotions I am going through in being part of this Senate trip to India. I am a proud Canadian, wanting to help Canada find different markets to trade in and be less reliant on our neighbor, the United States. I am also very proud of my Indian heritage and therefore thrilled that my country, Canada, is re-engaging with India.
Since 1974, the Canadian government has not engaged with India. Canada's position on India's nuclear status, shaped by India's nuclear tests in 1974 using Canadian technology and again in 1998, has resulted in cool bilateral relations between the two countries. The relationship was weak before 1974 and after 1974, the bilateral relationship was almost non-existent.
In 1973, when Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, spoke in Toronto she complained of Canada and India's weak bilateral economic relationship.
Mr. Douglas Goold, of the Canadian International Council (who is very knowledgeable on the issues affecting India) in his testimony to the Committee stated, "the essence of diplomacy is continuing relationships even when you have differences. We had a 30-year freeze starting in 1974. Instead of moving forward... we did very little." I agree.
In the 90's, Mr. Chretien made great strides to improve the relationship between India and Canada.
We started the study on the rise of China, India and Russia in the global economy and the implications for Canadian policy in November, 2007. The Committee has made twenty-three recommendations which can be found in the report Responding to the rise of Russia, India and China (Note: Recommendations can be found on pages 13-27). These recommendations are on a number of subjects: increasing attention to India, China and Russia in Canadian trade and investment policies and resources; building and maximizing intergovernmental relations; leveraging the Canadian business communities; working with the diaspora communities; promoting an architecture of norms and standards; and on improving Canada's competitiveness. We have made further recommendations concerning Canadian opportunities in such sectors as agriculture, infrastructure, transportation, alternative energy and environmental technologies, education, as well as opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises. The Committee has asked our government to formulate policy in order to realize the potential benefits for Canadian commercial interests.
For me personally, one of the most important recommendations is No 7. This is the recommendation on who are we as Canadians, to explain ourselves, and the Committee is asking our government to develop a "Canada Brand" in order to strengthen Canada's commercial profile in China, India and Russia, amidst the strong presence of many other countries who are our competitors.
The recommendation is "the Government should undertake a vigorous marketing campaign in the three countries to promote the Canada Brand and to convey a single message about Canada's advantages and expertise in a variety of areas.” This recommendation will help build on the mostly favorable perception of Canada in the three countries, further showcasing Canada's comparative advantages more aggressively, and also to raise the awareness of Canadian business.
We are now in New Delhi. Last night we had a very informative briefing from the Canadian High Commissioner, Jim Nickel, and the Canadian officials on India. Today, we have an extensive program which I will share with you in my tweets.