Memo #148
By Aim Sinpeng – thaiaim [at] gmail.com
Human smuggling and terrorism – not trade – played centre stage in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s visit to Thailand in March. Although the Thai government was eager to solicit more interest in trade during a visit that marked the 50th anniversary of Canada-Thailand relations, it was left with $7 million (CDN) for an anti-crime program and an “exploratory” talk on free trade.
Harper’s visit also marked the 35th anniversary of Canada-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relations, but he took little initiative on ASEAN as a whole. Southeast Asia is an important trade and investment opportunity for Canada, argues Dr. Amitav Acharya, and should not be relegated to a source of “insecurity” or “terrorism.” With a combined population of 600 million people, ASEAN is a bigger market than the European Union. Thailand is Canada’s largest ASEAN trading partner, yet their bilateral trade amounts to a mere $3.5 billion (CDN).
Harper seemed more concerned to prevent another boat full of illegal migrants than to pursue economic ties with Thailand or ASEAN. This is short-sighted. Being tough on crime abroad should not overshadow other priorities, especially as the struggle against human trafficking cannot be isolated from economic development. This visit should have been Harper’s golden opportunity to make up for lost time, but trade was clearly sidelined by security.
Harper’s lukewarm engagement is perhaps reflective of broader uncertainty towards Asia amongst Canadians. An Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada survey reveals that most Canadians are “unsure of, if not uncomfortable with, what this global gravity shift will mean for them.” If Harper’s visit is a sign of the future, it will not mean more business.
About the Author:
Aim Sinpeng – a PhD student in the Department of Political Science at The University of British Columbia and Associate of the Centre for Southeast Asian Research.
Source: Matichon
Links:
- PM announces support for security initiatives in Thailand and Southeast Asia, Prime Minister’s office, March 2012.
- ASEAN and the securitization of transnational crime in Southeast Asia, The Pacific Review, 2003.