The geoeconomic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. While the region continues to present dynamic growth and new business opportunities, it is also marked by growing instability – both internal and external – that directly affects business strategy and decision-making.
As part of the course Asia’s Geoeconomic Landscapes I, we are pleased to welcome Trevor Kennedy, Vice President of the Business Council of Canada, who oversees Indo-Pacific engagement from his base in Tokyo. This special session will offer insights into how Canada views the evolving geoeconomic realities in Asia.
Trevor will share perspectives on key developments, and how Canadian businesses perceive risks and opportunities in Asian markets. The session will conclude with a dialogue and open discussion.
Date & time
Monday, June 16, 2025 | 10:25-12:10
Venue
Lecture Hall B, 4th floor, International Academic Research Building, Hongo Campus
Language
English
Registration
Please register here.
Agenda
Introduction – Michio Ueda, Visiting Lecturer
Keynote Speech – Trevor Kennedy, Vice President, Business Council of Canada
• Overview of the Business Council of Canada
• Recent developments in Canada and their impact on the Asia strategy
• Canadian business perspectives on geopolitical risks and opportunities in key regions of Asia
• Views on Japanese corporate activity in the region – seen as partners, competitors, or both?
Dialogue and Q&A – Moderated by Michio Ueda
About the speaker
Based in Tokyo, Trevor leads the Council’s work on Canadian business trade and investment ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific. He advises and executes on trade policy initiatives and liaises with Canadian policymakers, foreign officials and international business networks representing key partners.
Prior to joining the Council in 2016, Trevor was a Trade Policy Officer at Global Affairs Canada. He also worked with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada as a Junior Research Fellow focused on trade policy. He has lived and worked in Japan with the Japan Exchange (JET) Programme.
Trevor is a fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and is a member of the Canada-Korea Forum Steering Committee. He holds a Master of Arts in Asia Pacific Policy Studies from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from St. Thomas University, New Brunswick.
About the Business Council of Canada
Founded in 1976, the Business Council of Canada is a not-for-profit, non-partisan organization composed of chief executives and entrepreneurs of Canada’s leading enterprises. Representing every region and sector of the country, the Council’s member companies employ 1.7 million Canadians, contribute the largest share of federal corporate taxes, and are responsible for most of Canada’s exports, corporate philanthropy, and private-sector investments in research and development. Through supply chain partnerships, service contracts and mentoring programs, Business Council members support many hundreds of thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs in communities of all sizes, in every part of Canada.
For inquiry
Michio Ueda | michio-ueda<at>g.ecc.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Please replace <at> with @.