REPORT ON THE
DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE AIPO AND CANADA
Mr. President,
I have the
honor to submit the following Report on the AIPO-Canada Dialogue.
1. The dialogue was held in the afternoon of 12 September
2006 at Tokyo B, Marco Polo Hotel, Cebu City from 2:50pm-4:15pm.
2. The Dialogue was attended by
the following delegates:
Canada
1. Hon. Joseph Day
2. Hon. Bryon Wilfert
3. Mr. Paul Cardegna
Cambodia
1. Hon. Ky Lum Ang
2. Ms. Ly Son
3. Mr. Uy Visal
Indonesia
1. Hon. Abdillah Toha
2. Hon. Bindu Marbun
3. Mr. Robert Juheng Purba
Lao People's Democratic Republic
1. Hon. Singkham Khongsavanh
2. Hon. Davone Vangvichith
Malaysia
1.Hon. Syed Razlan Jamalullail
Philippines
1.Hon. Edgar M. Chatto – Chairperson
Singapore
1. Hon. Hri Kumar
2. Hon. Ho Geok Choo
Thailand
1.Hon. Po. Lt. Col. Chachvan Bunmee
Vietnam
1. Hon. Nguyen Van Thuan
2. Hon. Nguyen Thi Bach Mai
Brunei Darussalam
1. P.D.N. Pg. Abdul Momin
3. The
Chairman of the Dialogue, Hon. Edgar M. Chatto, welcomed the delegates to the
dialogue with Canada. Subsequently, the members of the AIPO, observers and the
representatives from Canada introduced themselves. Canada expressed its
gratitude to the delegates for attending the dialogue.
4. The
Dialogue was held in the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding. All
delegates expressed their gratitude to Canada for its assistance to their
countries. During the discussion delegates focus on the topic/s that they
considered important to their countries. Following are the highlights of the
discussion on the following topics:
a) Regional and Security Matters
Indonesia was
concerned about travel advisories issued by foreign countries as such
advisories affect Indonesia's tourism industry. Canada responded that travel
advisory is just precautionary measure and may not apply to entire country. Malaysia was apprehensive about the visa restrictions where bona fide students and
civil servants on study and official business may be denied entry due to such
restrictions. Canada responded that it will bring the matter to proper
department to review the issue. Thailand underscored the importance of the
presence of law enforcement representative of Canada in Thailand and requested Canada for more training assistance for its law enforcement agencies.
b) Economic and Trade Cooperation
Lao People's Democratic Republic
requested Canada to support the English Teaching program of Lao. Lao also
requested for extension of quota for its textile export as well as assistance
to Lao's small and medium enterprises. On export quota Canada replied that the local and political issue on the matter require further study. Singapore noted that it enjoys good working relations with Canada. Canada in return requested for
the establishment of permanent mission in Ottawa. Canada commented on the
calling off of the Canada-Singapore FTA. Singapore assured Canada that it is still on the agenda.
Canada
encouraged all delegates to apply for the development assistance of Canada through CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency).
c) Investment Opportunities
Canada
encourages its investors to South East Asian countries but requested for the
assurance of transparency on government policies on trade and investment. It
urged countries to enact legislations on the matter like the Foreign Investment
Act of Vietnam.
d) Environmental Issues
Singapore
looks forward to a partnership with Canada on environmental front. Canada called upon national legislators to act aggressively on environmental protection
emphasizing significant reviews of government proposals affecting environment.
e) Information and Technology
Cooperation
Indonesia and
the Philippines advocated for better exchange of information before travel
advisories are issued. Philippines requested for a precise travel advisory
which should be confined only to particular locality.
f) Strategies
to Create Breakthrough in the World Trade Organization
(WTO) “DOHA Round”
Canada strongly espouses bilateralism and multiculturalism. Canada mentioned about Japan-Philippines FT A, which included nursing services, as a great
alternative to the WTO. Cambodia's problem on massive agricultural subsidies of
developed countries can be addressed through bilateral trade agreement with
other countries for the market of Cambodia's chemical free agricultural
products.
g) Exchange of Parliamentary Visits as Means of Strengthening
Inter-Parliamentary Diplomacy
All delegates
expressed interest in extending parliamentary visits.
h) Cooperation in Fighting Pandemic/Infectious Disease like Avian
flu, HIV / AIDS
Cambodia echoed the call of neighboring countries in requesting financial
and technical assistance to prevent and control avian flu and other pandemic
disease.