OTTAWA, April 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Canada's Public Policy Forum and the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) released a report today examining the role Canada can play in the Asia Pacific region and the actions needed to leverage new opportunities presented by the economic rise of Asia.

In June 2011, the Public Policy Forum, with financial support from Sun Life Financial, launched the project Conversations with Canadian Leaders: Canada as an Asia Pacific Nation to explore perceptions of Canada-Asia relations at a time when emerging Asian economies are reshaping global dynamics. The resulting report synthesizes the findings of 80 in-depth, face-to-face interviews and discussions with senior leaders from various sectors across Canada.

Conversations explored general impressions of Canada-Asia relations, as well as the challenges and opportunities in building and strengthening partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region. Canadian leaders called for relationship building and a more targeted and coordinated approach in order to build a strong national brand in the region.

The project is part of APF Canada's National Conversation on Asia (NCA), a broad and inclusive initiative to get Canadians thinking and talking about what Asia means to Canada.

"By speaking with leaders from various sectors across the country, we have gained a deeper understanding of their hopes, fears, and aspirations in thinking about the rise of Asia and its impact on their interests," said Mr. Yuen Pau Woo, President and CEO of APF Canada. "The report underscores the need for an active and strategic response to the growing importance of Asia in the world, and the urgent need for awareness raising and capacity building throughout Canada."

"From the insights and opinions of influential Canadians, we have gained a better understanding of how leaders perceive Canada-Asia relations, our position in the Asia Pacific region, and the actions needed to build stronger trans-Pacific ties," said David Mitchell, President and CEO of the Public Policy Forum. "We believe this study will help inform future decision-making across Canada's public, private, and non-profit sectors as we continue to engage countries and organizations in the Asia Pacific region."

SOURCE PUBLIC POLICY FORUM