APF Canada Launches Interactive Project to Track Canada’s Provincial Engagement with Asia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 3, 2014 – VANCOUVER, BC – Canadian provinces and territories have been stepping up their engagement with the Asia Pacific region, a reflection of the growing recognition of Asia’s importance for Canada not just at the federal level, but also at the subnational level. In response to this growing trend, the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) has developed a new project: an interactive website, The Asia Factor, which seeks to fill a gap in public knowledge about the growing economic, political, and cultural importance of Asia and what it means for the daily lives of Canadians.

“Canada’s provinces and territories are incredibly unique and diverse, and so are the ways in which Asia is interacting with them,” said Eva Busza, Vice-President, Research and Knowledge, APF Canada. “Our hope is that leaders and residents in each Canadian jurisdiction can use this information to consider the best way forward for their relationship with Asia and work together to strengthen the Canadian brand overseas.”

The Asia Factor combines information such as trade missions, twinning relationships, and tourism, trade, investment, and immigration data, into an innovative interactive website that allows users to visualize measures of Asia’s impact in each province and territory. The website’s custom technology enables users to compare visualized data between provinces and Canadian national figures. The project will also feature up-to-date news and analysis on the many facets of each province and territory’s relationship with Asia.

Some notable figures available on the website include:

• In 2013, Nunavut had the highest share of trade with Asia, at 48.5% of its total trade, followed by British Columbia with 44.2%.
• British Columbia has the highest proportion of residents of Asian origin, at 23.8%, followed by Ontario at 17.4%.
• In 2013, Alberta conducted more official visits to Asia than any other province.
• Quebec’s trade with Asia has grown by 193% since 2000.
• Among the Atlantic Provinces, Prince Edward Island has the highest percentage of visible minorities of Asian heritage.

All data and features are accessible at www.TheAsiaFactor.ca

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About the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) has been a leader in research and analysis on Canada’s relations with Asia for thirty years. Our mission is to develop ideas for action by Canadian businesses, governments, and individuals to help them seize the vast opportunities unfolding in Asia. We do this by offering clear, specific, and actionable policy advice and leadership based on sound research and analysis. APF Canada’s current thematic priorities include trade and investment, energy and the environment, and international education. Engaged in research and convening, APF Canada has developed strong ties with policy-makers, business leaders, academics, and opinion makers in Canada and throughout the Asia Pacific region. Visit APF Canada at www.asiapacific.ca 

For more information please contact:

Jillian Oliver
Communications Manager
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
jillian.oliver@asiapacific.ca
Office: 604-630-1536
Mobile: 778-989-6471