Seminar with the Premier of British Columbia and the Ambassador of Canada to Japan

The Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG), led by Director Kazuto Suzuki, hosted a seminar in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy on May 29, 2023, featuring David Eby, Premier of British Columbia, and Ian McKay, Ambassador of Canada to Japan and Canada’s Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific, at the International House of Japan.

First, Ambassador Ian McKay delivered a speech titled “Canada, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific Strategy,” discussing the background and content of Canada’s Indo-Pacific regional strategy announced in November of last year, as well as an evaluation of the recent G7 Summit. Following that, Premier David Eby spoke on the topic of “British Columbia’s growing role as a key partner of Japan,” highlighting the attractiveness of the province as an investment destination, and discussing past business with Japan in mineral resources, food, and timber, as well as cooperation in the fields of LNG and hydrogen.

During the Q&A session moderated by Kazuto Suzuki, discussions were held on Canada’s stance on economic security, particularly regarding China, the role of British Columbia in strengthening and diversifying supply chains, and the significance of the province as a source for critical minerals essential for batteries and other industries.

The Institute of Geoeconomics will continue to deepen collaboration with ambassadors in Tokyo and foreign governments through events such as this seminar.