Experts say Canada's presence at the World Economic Forum takes on more importance this year with Prime Minister Mark Carney's pitch to expand global trade relationships, especially as rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump threatens to "hijack" the annual meeting.
The conference in Davos, Switzerland, sees politicians and wealthy corporate leaders meet to discuss global affairs and economic development, but Ivey Business School fellow Mahmood Nanji says the latest edition "takes on a different kind of meaning" than in past years amid global conflict and economic upheaval.
Nanji says the forum provides an important opportunity for Carney to plant the seed that could lead to eventual new trade partnerships, at a time when uncertainty lingers over renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement.
Carney spoke at the conference on Tuesday, saying middle powers like Canada must adapt to a new reality in which the world moves toward a system of economic coercion, with large powers pursuing their own interests above all else.
Trump has continued to talk about taking over Greenland as he prepares to speak at the forum on Wednesday, threatening tariffs on European countries opposed to the U.S. gaining control of the territory.
Nanji says that could distract from organizers' theme, "a spirit of dialogue" at this year's forum, but makes it all the more key for Canada to be engaged in conversations with its other allies right now.
Picture Courtesy: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber
