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November 15, 2007

Flaherty calls for revaluation of Asian currencies

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty called today for Asian currencies (specifically the Chinese Yuan) to re-value vis a vis the U.S. dollar. He argues that the loonie has taken an undue share of the change in value.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=aqnihH._q47M&refer=canada

November 14, 2007

Canada declares sanctions against Burma

Canada today announced economic sanctions against Burma otherwise known as Myanmar. The sanctions will have little effect on the stability of the government, but act rather to indicate official Canadian disapproval of the actions of the ruling Burmese regime. If Canada could work on convincing other Asean countries and China to enforce sanctions they may well have some effect.

Link: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=aaO7aFAOfBps&refer=canada

November 13, 2007

Korean and Canadian Foreign Ministers Meet

Maxime Burnier met with the Korean foreign minister recently. The two confirmed the two countries' commitment to establishing a free trade agreement. The issue of beef exports to Korea is still problematic. Also expect the CAW to voice opposition to cheaper Korean imports.

http://www.kois.go.kr/news/news/newsView.asp?serial_no=20071107023

Canada China Trade Grows

The growth in Canadian exports to China has outpaced the growth of imports from China this year. This marginally narrows the very large trade gap between the two countries. If efforts to revalue the Yuan are successful, expect exports to continue.

Link: http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/financialpost/story.html?id=edcff1ba-ccc7-48ef-a322-e4b2d940d6ea&k=27119