VANCOUVER, B.C. – February 26, 2016 – The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) today announced that it will host the inaugural meeting of the Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council 2016 (ABLAC 2016) in Vancouver, British Columbia on February 26.
Gathering 28 senior business leaders from across Asia and Canada, ABLAC 2016 will provide a unique platform for Asian and Canadian business leaders to share strategic policy advice with government, business leaders and policy makers, and will foster open and candid dialogue on how Canada can realize the full potential of its engagement and partnerships with Asia.
Established by APF Canada with the generous support of the Government of British Columbia, Export Development Canada, and the Government of Canada, the ABLAC 2016 theme is “Raising Our Game in Asia,” and features sessions on building Canada’s brand in Asia, defining Canada’s competitive opportunities in the region, and deepening Canada-Asia commercial networks.
“This meeting is taking place at a unique time, with both a new Canadian government in place that is enthusiastic about a ‘pivot’ toward Asia, and a renewed interest in Canada among Asian leaders,” said Dominic Barton, Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company, and ABLAC 2016 Chair. “I’m optimistic that ABLAC will help us capitalize on this momentum and begin outlining the path for deeper engagement between Canada and Asia.”
With members from China, Japan, India, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia, the council will meet at Vancouver Convention Centre West with representatives of Canada’s federal, provincial and municipal governments, as well as the presidents and CEOs of leading Canadian businesses and institutions.
Quoted:
“It is my pleasure to congratulate the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada on its inaugural Asia Business Leaders Advisory Council meeting. The Ministry of International Trade works hard to expand B.C.’s international markets and attract investment, and one of the best ways to do this is by building new relationships overseas. Meetings like today’s strengthen those connections and help B.C. businesses reach new priority markets abroad.”
– Hon. Teresa Wat – British Columbia Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
-30-
About the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada:
Established by an act of Parliament in 1984, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is a not-for-profit organization focused on Canada’s relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canada’s catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia’s bridge to Canada.
APF Canada supports the building of Asia-competency and promotes knowledge and understanding of developments in Asia. Its research and policy work focuses on trade, investment, innovation, energy, and the environment.
A leader in research and analysis on Canada-Asia relations for over 30 years, APF Canada partners with government, business leaders, academics, and opinion makers in Canada and across the Asia Pacific region to offer clear, specific, and actionable policy advice.
Visit APF Canada at www.asiapacific.ca
For more information on ABLAC 2016, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Michael Roberts
Communications Manager
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
michael.roberts@asiapacific.ca
Office: 604-630-1527
