Thursday, Mar 21, 2002
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By Sridhar Krishnaswami
Canada has no illusions about the political problems of South Asia, but a high premium is being placed on economic cooperation with the region, India in particular. Mr. Pettigrew, whose visit to India was postponed last year in the wake of September 11 attacks, will be accompanied by a big trade delegation. The emphasis is on small and medium enterprises and in many ways the visit will add more depth and focus to a highly successful trip to India by Canada's Deputy Prime Minister, John Manley, in January last. ``With a growing share of the world population and income, the countries of South Asia now command a real presence on the world stage. The dramatic rise in the standard of living and the surge in economic growth are evidence that this region will become an increasingly significant market for Canada in the 21st century,'' Mr. Pettigrew recently said in Toronto while launching the South Asia Trade Action Plan. Getting away from the hang-ups of the 1998 nuclear tests and the sanctions regime has not been easy, but the Canadian Government is keen on putting the past behind, having realised that the punitive measures and the downturn in relations with India have not exactly served its interests. Canada is, undoubtedly, looking at India's economic opportunities even as it evinces a keen interest in South Asia and beyond. ``Our long-term outlook for peaceful relations and influencing gradual change in South Asia is anchored in regional economic, technical and development cooperation. India has a natural leadership role to play. As the preponderant country in South Asia, India must show the way,'' says Mr. Pettigrew. ``It is in our mutual interest to pursue a broader relationship with South Asia,'' the Minister said making the point that the one million-plus South Asian community in Canada served as the catalyst to this major undertaking. Officials here say that building and expanding on the two-way trade with South Asia is only one part of the exercise. Canada, for instance, is keen on participating in a big way in energy production, information and environmental technologies. Add to this the prospect of two-way investment opportunities and Ottawa sees the completion of the larger picture. ``Domestic markets have opened to international trade and the standard of living in parts of the region has risen dramatically. A growing middle class with disposable income and a thirst for new goods and services presents a growing market for selected Canadian consumer goods. Not only have new markets opened up for Canadian goods and commodities, but there is a growing demand for a range of services,'' the South Asia Trade Action Plan says in its Regional Overview. Regionally and in terms of the two-way trade was a modest Canadian $2.6 billion for the year 2000 with a Canadian deficit of over C$ 1 billion. India accounted for about 67 per cent of this two-way trade, with Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka making up for the rest.
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