German President Steinmeier’s B.C. visit a ‘rare’ opportunity to engage directly
The go to of Germany’s president to Metro Vancouver creates a “rare” alternative for Canadian companies to talk straight with a key commerce associate’s management, says a high B.C. govt who hosted the international dignitary.
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade CEO Bridgitte Anderson hosted a roundtable dialogue headlined by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on the third day of his four-day journey to Canada.
The dialogue included about 20 delegates from each Germany and Canada.
The dialog primarily targeted on the subjects of Indigenous reconciliation, the net-zero financial system and reorganizing provide chains within the Indo-Pacific area.
The media was not allowed to attribute quotes to delegates who spoke on the occasion, however the dialogue touched on subjects equivalent to balancing the dangers and alternatives of doing companies with China, in addition to whether or not India – which receives a big portion of its army provides from Russia – is an acceptable different in creating new worth chains.
Anderson says it is sensible that German officers needed to have interaction Canada on these points whereas in Vancouver because the gateway to the Asia Pacific.
“And that’s important for the Indo-Pacific strategy, but it’s also important for the EU, as well. And having an opportunity to host Germany today, I think, it’s just one example of how we can strengthen trade relations globally with other European partners,” Anderson mentioned in an interview on Tuesday.
Delegates additionally spent a while speaking about how European companions ought to work with First Nations communities to make sure Indigenous rights are revered for tasks involving international funding.
Beyond the Board of Trade roundtable, Steinmeier additionally visited the Burnaby gasoline cell firm Cellcentric on Tuesday and joined B.C. Premier David Eby on a ship tour of Vancouver Harbour.
Steinmeier was additionally scheduled to go to the University of B.C.’s Smart Hydrogen Energy District – a soon-to-open hydrogen fuelling station.
Eby says Steinmeier’s go to provides the province a invaluable alternative to create ties – particularly given Canada and Germany’s dedication to making a extra sustainable, greener financial system by innovation.
“There’s lots for us to talk about,” Eby mentioned. “Germany has a significant amount of foreign direct investment right here in British Columbia. Many German companies (are) operating here. There’s opportunity for increased German investment here in British Columbia.”
According to Statistics Canada, Germany was Canada’s seventh largest supply of international direct funding in 2021, completely $31.9 billion.
Germany was additionally Canada’s largest merchandise export market within the European Union final yr, Anderson mentioned.
Steinmeier will subsequent journey north to Yellowknife and Tuktoyaktuk on Wednesday for occasions, together with conferences with authorities officers and a tour of the Canadian Armed Forces’ Joint Operations Centre within the North.
This report by The Canadian Press was first printed April 25, 2023.
