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Canada risks falling behind with tepid approach to African trade: South Africa envoy
Rieaz Shaik says Ottawa must treat Africa as a growth market and back a partnership that could expand trade in five sectors.
- On Saturday, South African High Commissioner Rieaz Shaik urged Ottawa to reset trade relations with Africa, warning that Canada's "tepid approach" risks falling behind China and others in building commerce on the continent.
- Shaik argued Ottawa persists in viewing Africa primarily as aid recipients despite the continent's growth, claiming Canada risks missing market opportunities by failing to act as a first-mover in the region.
- The envoy proposed a strategic partnership agreement focusing on agribusiness, infrastructure, mining, energy, and technology to modernize the 1997 investment pact between Canada and South Africa.
- Shaik highlighted Alberta and Saskatchewan for creating industry "ecosystems" attracting market interest, yet warned Canadian financial elites face a "boiling-frog scenario" by remaining comfortable with current strategies.
- South Africa could serve as a springboard into the African Continental Free Trade Area, Shaik suggested, while Canada would gain strategic entry into Mexico and Latin American markets.
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The Toronto Star+20 Reposted by 20 other sources
Canada risks falling behind with tepid approach to African trade: South Africa envoy
OTTAWA - Ottawa's tepid approach to expanding trade in Africa risks seeing Canada fall behind its peers in building commerce on the continent, warns South Africa's envoy.
·Toronto, Canada
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left15Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
C 25%
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