Amir Announces ¤10Bn Investment in Germany

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Amir Announces ¤10Bn Investment in Germany BUSINESS | 14 SPORT | 16 Qatari companies Samba set for keen to form JV with season-ending fireworks German firms: QC in Ostrava Saturday 8 September 2018 | 28 Dhul-Hijja I 1439 www.thepeninsula.qa Volume 23 | Number 7643 | 2 Riyals Amir announces ¤10bn investment in Germany H H the Amir and German Chancellor attended yesterday the signing ceremony of establishing the Qatari-German Business Council between Qatari Businessmen Association and the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce. SATISH KANADY THE PENINSULA BERLIN: Qatar and Germany further consolidated their long- standing partnership yesterday with the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani committing to invest €10bn into German economy. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the energy sector offered promising opportunities to expand business ties and Qatar’s LNG supplies would help diversify Germany’s supply sources. Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and German Chancellor Angela Merkel watching a model of Al Bayt Stadium on the sidelines of the Qatar-Germany Business “In expression of our confi- and Investment Forum. RIGHT: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani addressing the Qatar-Germany Business and Investment Forum in Berlin yesterday. dence in the strength of the German economy and the importance of investing in it, I the signing ceremony of estab- German side. between the two countries has declare the intention of the State lishing the Qatari-German With the H H the Amir’s doubled between 2011 and 2016 of Qatar to inject investments Business Council between Qatari announcement to pump €10bn to reach about €2.8bn, mostly worth ¤10bn into the German Businessmen Association and the additional investment in in favour of Germany, which economy over the next five years Association of German Chambers Germany, Qatar has emerged as The Qatar-German partnership is moving into a new phase has become the third largest as another addition to our suc- of Industry and Commerce, the GCC’s biggest investor in this thanks to the success of the Qatar-Germany Business and world exporter to Qatar. “This cessful investments in Germany,” during the Investment Forum. European powerhouse. Together Investment Forum in Berlin. The Forum has gained momentum volume of exchange decreased H H the Amir announced while Chairman of Qatari Businessmen with yesterday’s commitment, due to the great development in our political and commercial in 2017 due to temporary opening the Qatar-Germany Association Sheikh Faisal bin Qatar’s investment in Germany relations creating hundreds of opportunities offered by the regional reasons, which were Business and Investment Forum Qassim Al Thani signed the now stands at a significant economies of the two countries into agreements and pro- imposed on us, leading to a in the presence of German Chan- agreement on the Qatari side, €35bn. grams to be implemented by the public and private sectors. short-lived drop in Qatar’s cellor Angela Merkel at Maritim while CEO of the Association of H H the Amir said the rela- imports from various Hotel. German Chambers of Industry tionship between Qatar and countries.” H H the Amir and German and Commerce Martin Germany has been strengthened especially in the field of trade, H H the Amir said that the Chancellor attended yesterday Wansleben signed it on the over the past several years, investment and construction. volume of trade exchange →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 Qatar strategically built its way out of blockade SATISH KANADY agencies projected Qatar’s growth will Minister said, stressing that a new law THE PENINSULA be the highest in the region at 2.8 will streamline investment procedures percent before expanding to 3 percent in light of the many promising BERLIN: Qatar’s strategic repositioning in 2019-2020. investment opportunities in the in terms of trade and investments have The blockade also helped accelerate logistics, food security, education, helped the country move ahead despite Qatar’s development plan. The country health, tourism and sports sectors. the unprecedented blockade imposed realised that it really wanted to H E Ali shareef Al Emadi, Minister on it by some neighbouring countries, transform and accelerate its economy. of Finance, said since the since the H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar opened up the market 100 percent blockade imposed on Qatar in June Minister of Economy and Commerce, for foreign investors, the development 2017, all the key financial and economic and H E Ali Sheriff Al Emadi, Minister of tax-haven economic free zones are indicators for Qatar were positive. “If of Finance said in a two separate panel fast progressing, PPP is offering huge you look at the performance of Qatari discussions held during the Qatar- opportunities to the private players in economy in 2018, the GDP has grown, Germany Business and Investment health, education and tourism sectors. banking profitability is up. N the post Forum here yesterday. “Qatar is very well connected to the blockade period, Qatar Stock Exchange Sheikh Ahmed said the country region and internationally, after the (QSE) grew by 15 percent, he said. realised there is huge untapped blockade. We wanted showcase these Participating in the panel dis- Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani and Minister of Municipality and potential in the neighbouring countries vast opportunities to the German cussion QDC CEO Yousef Mohamed Al Environment H E Mohamed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi during the Qatar-Germany and identified fresh destinations. Qatar private sector and others in Qatar”, Jaida said QFC’s mandate of attracting Business and Investment Forum. realised it has access to 400 million Sheikh Ahmed said. increasing foreign direct investment is population around and identified the Elaborating on the legislative and a natural starting point for further under tapped markets in five destina- legal frameworks that Qatar has cooperation with German firms looking Sheikh Dr Khalid hails Qatar-Germany ties tions including Turkey, Pakistan, India, adopted to stimulate investments, the to gain entry into the growing Qatar and Iran. Minister said a significant number of economy. THE PENINSULA He said that the Qatar-Germany Business The Minister said Qatari economy laws and regulations have been revised He said Qatar and Germany have and Investment Forum is part of ongoing grew at significant rate during the to keep abreast of political and eco- a far reaching relationship that pro- DOHA: Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin efforts to develop these relations and push blockade period. “Despite the lower oil nomic developments in the region, as vides a great foundation for future Abdullah Al Thani, Second Deputy to the them to higher levels, with continued support price in 2016-2017, we met our 2017 well as to meet the requirements of the growth. Partnering with German busi- Chairman of Qatari Businessmen Associ- from the leadership of both countries. “Amir target. Our total export increased many Qatar National Vision 2030 and to nesses has continued to flourish over ation (QBA) and Chairman of the Board of H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s times during the blockade period. encourage domestic and foreign the years, with 112 joint Qatar-German Directors and Managing Director of Qatar announcement to invest €10bn int German During the blockade year all the investments. businesses with a capital of $339m. International Islamic Bank (QIIB) stressed economy reflects the importance of trade and economic indicators were positive for “For instance, Foreign Investment These are but a few examples of the the importance of further strengthening economic relations between Doha and Berlin.” Qatar. The inflation rate was signifi- Law No. 13 of 2000, enables foreign long-standing dynamic economic rela- of relations between Qatar and Germany cantly low at 0.5 percent compared to investors up to 100 percent ownership tionship that exists between Doha and especially in field of economy. →CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 2.5 percent in 2016. International in numerous economic sectors,” the Berlin. 02 HOME SATURDAY 8 SEPTEMBER 2018 Amir reviews strategic ties with German leaders CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani with the President of Germany Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Presidential residence Bellevue Palace in Berlin. H H the Amir with Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany. H H the Amir and Angela Merkel witnessing the signing of documents. Officials during the Qatar-Germany Business and Investment Forum in Berlin. H H the Amir with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Heiko Maas. H H the Amir with German Minister of Economy and Energy, Peter Altmaier. THE PENINSULA latest regional and international cultural and economic fields. dialogue for the stability of the humanitarian situation in Germany, on the occasion of developments, and stressed in In this context, the German region and the adoption of Yemen, Palestine and Syria. H H Qatar Germany Business and DOHA: Amir H H Sheikh Tamim that regard on the importance of Chancellor thanked H H the Amir political ways to resolve all the Amir also met the German Investment Forum. bin Hamad Al Thani met having stability in the region. The for the confidence of the State of differences. Minister of Economy and Energy H H the Amir left Berlin yes- yesterday morning with the meeting was attended by a Qatar in the German economy. H H the Amir also met with Peter Altmaier, on the sidelines terday evening, after a three-day President of the Federal Republic number of Their Excellencies The two sides also exchanged Minister of Foreign Affairs of the of the Qatar Germany Business working visit to the friendly of Germany Dr Frank-Walter members of the official dele- views on the latest regional and Federal Republic of Germany, and Investment Forum in Berlin.
Recommended publications
  • U.S.-China Relations
    Updated July 1, 2019 U.S.-China Relations Under U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Chinese United States and has sought to re-set the relationship’s President Xi Jinping, the United States and the People’s terms. In 2018, China was the United States’ largest Republic of China (PRC or China) are engaged in what the merchandise trading partner (with two-way trade at $660 Trump Administration terms “great power competition,” billion), third-largest export market (at $120 billion), and including a prolonged stand-off over trade, severely largest source of imports (at $540 billion). China is also the straining ties on the 40th anniversary of the two countries’ largest foreign holder of U.S. Treasury securities (at $1.1 establishment of diplomatic relations. The two countries trillion as of April 2019). lead the world in the size of their economies, their defense budgets, and their global greenhouse gas emissions. Both In March 2018, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) are permanent members of the United Nations Security released the findings of an investigation into PRC policies Council and are each other’s largest trading partners. related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 Trump Administration strategy documents have set the tone (P.L. 93-618). The investigation identified four PRC for U.S. policy toward China. The December 2017 National practices of particular concern: forced technology transfer Security Strategy (NSS) describes both China and Russia as requirements, discriminatory licensing requirements, state- seeking to “challenge American power, influence, and directed investments in and acquisitions of U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Canadian Views on China from Ambivalence to Distrust Canadian Views on China: from Ambivalence to Distrust
    Research Paper Roland Paris US and the Americas Programme | July 2020 Canadian Views on China From Ambivalence to Distrust Canadian Views on China: From Ambivalence to Distrust Summary • Public opinion surveys in Canada indicate that attitudes towards China have hardened dramatically since the two countries became locked in a diplomatic dispute in late 2018. Whereas public views of China had long been ambivalent, they are now strongly negative. • Hardened Canadian attitudes are likely to persist, even if the current dispute ends. The two countries appear to have entered a new, warier phase in their relationship. A return to the status quo ante in bilateral relations is unlikely. • China’s detention of two Canadian citizens and its trade actions against Canada have startled the country. So has the Trump administration’s mercurial treatment of Canada and other US allies. These developments have highlighted risks that Canada faces in a world of intensified geopolitical rivalry, where Canada may be subject to direct forms of great-power coercion. • Although managing the current dispute with China is important, Canadian leaders understand that maintaining productive relations with the US and reliable access to its market is a vital national interest. Canada is not ‘neutral’ in the growing rivalry between the US and China. It will align with the US, but it will also seek to prevent tensions with China from escalating. 1 | Chatham House Canadian Views on China: From Ambivalence to Distrust Introduction China’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis, including its apparent suppression of information about the initial outbreak in Wuhan, has produced a backlash against Beijing in several countries.1 For many Canadians, however, these developments have reinforced existing misgivings.
    [Show full text]
  • Geopolitical Aspects of Connectivity from the Soft to Hard Power Approaches
    A Service of Leibniz-Informationszentrum econstor Wirtschaft Leibniz Information Centre Make Your Publications Visible. zbw for Economics Novotná, Tereza Working Paper The European Union and Korea between the US and China: Geopolitical aspects of connectivity from the soft to hard power approaches Ordnungspolitische Diskurse, No. 2021-11 Provided in Cooperation with: OrdnungsPolitisches Portal (OPO) Suggested Citation: Novotná, Tereza (2021) : The European Union and Korea between the US and China: Geopolitical aspects of connectivity from the soft to hard power approaches, Ordnungspolitische Diskurse, No. 2021-11, OrdnungsPolitisches Portal (OPO), Erfurt This Version is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/235510 Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen: Terms of use: Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Documents in EconStor may be saved and copied for your Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. personal and scholarly purposes. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle You are not to copy documents for public or commercial Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich purposes, to exhibit the documents publicly, to make them machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. publicly available on the internet, or to distribute or otherwise use the documents in public. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, If the documents have been made available under an Open gelten
    [Show full text]
  • Christmas in North Korea
    Christmas in North Korea Christmas in North Korea By Adnan I. Qureshi With contributions from Talha Jilani Asad Alamgir Guven Uzun Suleman Khan Christmas in North Korea By Adnan I. Qureshi This book first published 2020 Cambridge Scholars Publishing Lady Stephenson Library, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 2PA, UK British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Copyright © 2020 by Adnan I. Qureshi All rights for this book reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. ISBN (10): 1-5275-5054-0 ISBN (13): 978-1-5275-5054-4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contributors .............................................................................................. x Preface ...................................................................................................... xi 1. The Journey to North Korea ............................................................... 1 1.1. Introduction to the Korean Peninsula 1.2. Tour to North Korea 1.3. Introduction to The Pyongyang Times 1.4. Arrival at Pyongyang International Airport 2. Brief History ........................................................................................ 32 2.1. The ‘Three Kingdom’ and ‘Later Three Kingdom’ periods 2.2. Goryeo kingdom 2.3. Joseon kingdom 2.4. Japanese occupation 2.5. Complete Japanese control 2.6. Post-Japanese occupation 2.7. The Korean War 3. Contemporary North Korea .............................................................. 58 3.1. The first communist dynasty and its challenges 3.2. The changing face of the communist economic structure 3.3. Nuclear power 3.4. Rocket technology 3.5. Life amidst sanctions 3.6. Mineral resources 3.7. Mutual defense treaties 3.8. Governmental structure of North Korea 3.9.
    [Show full text]
  • 95% of These Were Primarily About the US-China Trade War
    C hin a in C May This content analysis examines China’s appearancesA M in the Globe and Mail 2018 and the - Ju National Post from May of 2018 to July of 2019, highlighting the topicsan and tone of coverage with regard to China. This period was characterizeda by China-Canada and China-U.S. tension, and featured a number of newsworthy eventss worth reviewing.adi s ly In the forthcoming full report, which will be published in March 2020, The China D Institute atan Newsp 2019ape r the University of Alberta (CIUA) explores the ways in which Canadian newspapers frameat China and subsequently influence public sentiment. This research builds upon a prior analysis of Canadian news media mentions of China from 2015 to mid-2018, helping to a An illustrate long-term trends as well as flashpoint topics and reactions. This infographic report provides a preliminary glimpse into the ndings of our research. a ly s is: January 2015 - July 2019: s, Total Number of Articles About or Mentioning China by Month 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Jan-15 Mar-15 May-15 Jul-15 Sep-15 Year onNov year-15 mentions of China increased Jan-16 Mar-16 May-16 Jul-16 Sep-16 May 2018 - July 2019: and another fromNov- 120186 - July 2019 77% Jan-17 Most Frequently Mentioned Mar-17 May-17 Topics Jul-17 Sep-17 from 2017 - 2018, Nov-17 55% Jan-18 Of nearly articles collected, Mar-18 May-18 mentioned China substantively. Jul-18 Sep-18 Nov-18 China was a central focus4500 in articles.
    [Show full text]
  • 26. the Two Michaels & the US & China
    The Globe and Mail Opinion Data Dive with Nik Nanos: For Canada’s relationship with China, it’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t Ottawa has been caught between a rock and a hard place with the U.S. and China. Canadians' souring opinions of both, and their desire for the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, might make things even trickier Nik Nanos Special to The Globe and Mail Published July 17, 2020 Updated July 17, 2020 Nik Nanos is the chief data scientist at Nanos Research, a Global Fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington and the official pollster for The Globe and Mail. Imagine a world where your tried-and-true best friend – someone who you’ve known since childhood, and over the years has become big and strong – suddenly starts giving you a rough ride. Decades of shared interests and fond memories fly out the window. You feel abruptly abandoned by your hulking pal. Worse, you get caught in the crossfire when this so-called friend starts bullying other people, too. It damages your other relationships, because the two of you have long been known to be thick as thieves. This is the situation Canada finds itself in regarding its rocky relationship with the United States – as well as the knock-on effect on our relationship with China. Canada is in the middle of a battlefield between two global superpowers and little good has come of the situation. Our relationships with both the U.S. and China have been showing strain.
    [Show full text]
  • Dealing with the New China: How Canada Can Reset Its Relations with Beijing Margaret Mccuaig-Johnston
    November 2019 Dealing with the New China: How Canada can reset its relations with Beijing Margaret McCuaig-Johnston Introduction We are now in the critical transition period of a new government, as the prime minister makes decisions respecting his cabinet, including selecting ministers, and how government processes will function. It is a time of reflection for senior officials as they prepare advice on potential new directions for the newly elected government’s consideration.1 This is also the time when mandate letters for ministers are prepared in the Privy Council Office (PCO) and signed by the prime minister identifying the priorities on which each minister will be expected to deliver. As our most critical foreign policy challenge, China will be a key priority for the ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Trade as well as line ministers such as the ministers of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development, Agriculture and Agri-food, Natural Resources, and Public Safety. I have been a collaborator with China on science and technology for 40 years throughout my time in government as well as my years in academia. Over that time, I have researched and published on China’s impressive innova- tion system. I was also vice-president of the Canada-China Friendship Society in Ottawa in 2014-16. However, The author of this document has worked independently and is solely responsible for the views presented here. The opinions are not necessarily those of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, its Directors or Supporters. 1 COMMENTARY: Dealing with the New China: How Canada can reset its relations with Beijing the detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, and the execution court rulings for Robert Schellenberg and Fan Wei on drug charges, in retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, were a turning point in my assessment of China.
    [Show full text]
  • T H E F Ou Rth R Iver P Roject P Rayer C Alen D Ar
    Sun 일 Mon 월 Tue 화 Wed 수 Thu 목 Fri 금 Sat 토 1 2 3 4 National Foundation Pray for Canadian Give thanks for th Pray that the Give thanks for Day 70 anniversary regional travel ban Michael Spavor Michelle Shim’s winning recognition as celebration. preventing US sentenced to 11 years safe return to the a religious facility for Sept. 9, 2018. citizens entering prison in China most Three Seas Center tax purposes and that North Korea NOT likely for activities in from the U.S. the decision not be be extended today. North Korea. overturned on appeal. 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 The earth is the Pray that the Pray for the Pray for National Pray for those Pray that the Phase 1 www.thefourthriver.org LORD'S, and the national leadership agricultural humanitarian Foundation Day enrolled in the work on the Three fulness thereof; the situation in North situation in North organizations May the people of Fourth River Seas Center will providing food and world, and they Korea stabilize. Korea to improve. North Korea find Cultural Research proceed on schedule that dwell therein. agricultural their identity in Center for the fall despite much rain. Ps. 24:1 assistance to NK. Christ. term. 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 For he hath Pray that the North Pray for those who Pray for international Pray for an end to Pray that everyone in Give thanks for the founded it upon the Korean authorities have lost their assistance for religious the Fourth River concrete prayer seas, and focus on the needs homes in recent flooding and other persecution Project will enjoy platform and the crises be allowed to their celebration of established it upon of those suffering flooding to get throughout the promised tent for the floods.
    [Show full text]
  • China's New Sanctions Blocking Regime: Should Canadian Businesses In
    CHINA’S NEW SANCTIONS BLOCKING REGIME: SHOULD CANADIAN BUSINESSES IN HONG KONG BE WORRIED? Posted on September 1, 2021 Categories: Insights, Publications On June 10, 2021, the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress (“NPC”) passed the Chinese Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law (“ASL”).[1] The ASL prohibits organizations and individuals from assisting foreign nations in implementing sanctions against the People’s Republic of China (“China”). Instead organizations and individuals must assist the government in implementing countermeasures against foreign nations. The NPC, China’s top legislative body, was initially expected to also pass the ASL into Hong Kong Law, raising concerns for Canadian businesses with locations in Hong Kong. However implementation is delayed for the time being after an NPC meeting last week ended with no mention of introducing the ASL into Hong Kong Law. The ASL is the newest addition to China’s sanctions regime, which also includes the Blocking Rules and the Unreliable Entities List. These measures are the Government of China’s counter to economic sanctions, import restrictions and export control measures imposed by a number of countries against China for alleged human rights violations against the Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (“XUAR”).[2] China’s Sanctions Regime As noted above, China has recently implemented a host of measures in an effort to protect its economic interests including: Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law The ASL grants the Government of China the power to impose retaliatory sanctions in response to “discriminatory restrictive measures” that target Chinese citizens or which interfere with China’s “internal affairs”.
    [Show full text]
  • Interview with Senator Jack Austin
    Profile of Senator Jack Austin Tianlei Wu Jack Austin, a former senator and federal minister of the Liberal Party of Canada who has been committed to building ties between Canada and China, is disappointed by the current state of relations between the two countries but believes there is still hope for the future. Austin was the minister of state in the cabinet of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in the 1980s. Austin was a pioneer in promoting bilateral relations with China and his contribution to foreign policy made him one of the most knowledgeable Canadian officials in Canada-China relations. Austin’s diplomatic work on China began at the outset of the establishment of official diplomatic relations between the two countries. His first official trip to China was in 1970 when he was the deputy minister of energy, mines and resources. Austin and five other deputy ministers were part of the first Canadian trade mission sent by the Canadian government to China. They oversaw negotiations between Canada and China for an exchange of diplomatic relations and to open technical relations. Austin’s dedication to developing relations with China dates back to this visit. He said he was profoundly impressed by a society with an enormous amount of ambition and restrained energy. Austin commented that China has demonstrated phenomenal economic growth over the past 50 years and the material conditions of the Chinese people went from near poverty to, as President Xi Jinping described to, “a modestly successful society.” “I have no idea how quickly China would grow,” Austin said. “Nobody I think, even in Zhongnanhai, the residence for top leaders, ever thought that China would be where it is today in 2021.” 1 Over his political career, Austin foresaw that China would become an important member of the international community.
    [Show full text]
  • Alberta's Team in Ottawa
    MAKING A DIFFERENCE ALBERTA’S TEAM IN OTTAWA @webber4confed /lenwebberMP /lenwebberyyc www.lenwebber.ca Alberta has a strong team of Conservative Members of Parliament in Ottawa and we are making sure Alberta’s priorities are loudly heard in the House of Commons. Being in Opposition means we have to work with other parties to advance important issues — and we have! We have managed to make a difference in a wide variety of areas for all Albertans, no matter who you voted for in the last election. I am pleased to share a small sample of the amazing work and initiatives that your Alberta Conservative MPs have done on your behalf. We will continue to advocate for Alberta at every turn and ensure that Alberta is a key part of Canada’s economic recovery. We will continue to defend our hard-working Albertans and demand that our province get its fair share of support during and after the pandemic. By working together on your behalf, our Conservative team has been able to magnify our voices and our impact in Parliament. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated and hard-working team. As always, I appreciate your ongoing support and encouragement and consider it an honour to be your elected federal representative in the House of Commons. Sincerely, Make sure your opinion Len Webber, MP counts. Return the Alberta Caucus Chair survey in this booklet postage-free. 2 Alberta’s Conservative Team Working For You A message from your Member of Parliament ............................................. 2 Organ Donation & Government Transparency (Len Webber, MP) .......
    [Show full text]
  • Open Memo to the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations David Mulroney
    June 2020 Open Memo to the Special Committee on Canada-China Relations David Mulroney Preamble In early March of this year I was putting the finishing touches on the statement with which I planned to open my then-scheduled March 23rd appearance before the House of Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations in Ottawa. But I put the draft statement aside on March 14th when I was advised that the Committee had suspended its meetings because of the pandemic, and that my presentation would be postponed indefinitely. This came as a major disappointment, because, in its short life, the Committee, which met for the first time on January 20th this year, has done valuable work. In addition to hearing from government officials in Ottawa and Beijing who are directly responsible for managing the relationship, it has provided a platform for something that is both welcome and long overdue. Committee meetings quickly became a place where Canadians could hear alternative perspectives on China, something that gets us beyond the familiar and predictably pro-Beijing views of government,1 the business community and their supporting choruses in government-supported foundations and China-friendly academic outposts. Through its investigative work, the Committee has offered a public hearing for people who are critical of the kind of unthinking, “Comprehensive Engagement” strategy that has until recently dominated what little debate we’ve had about China policy. That’s been particularly welcome because the previously dominant pro-China narrative gave off more than a whiff of self-interest, dominated as it has been by senior people whose manifold connections to China are, shall we say, complicated.
    [Show full text]