David Mulroney, former Canadian ambassador to China

Canadians need to learn more about China than just economics, said David Mulroney, former Canadian ambassador to China.

"It’s not just about economics, although obviously trade and commerce are very important and will continue to be important to the economy of Canada and China," Mulroney told China Daily. "We need to know more about China and its people because China will be playing a major role in world affairs and we will need to engage the Chinese on issues that affect both nations and the world in terms of global health, economics and foreign affairs."

Mulroney served as Canadian ambassador to China from 2009-2012. He is now a senior fellow at both the Munk School of Global Affairs at the University of Toronto and at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.

Mulroney was the keynote speaker this week at the first conference sponsored by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF) devoted to building skills and knowledge of Asia and China among Canadians.

Canada's Asia Challenge: Building Knowledge and Skills for the Next Generation was held in Calgary. The event’s main purpose was to instill a foundation to prepare Canadian students for what is called the "rise of Asia."

Mulroney said language skills are important, but students also need to explore Asian culture. "Certainly learning the language is important and helpful but it shouldn’t be limited to just that. When I was ambassador, some of my best foreign affairs officers were the ones who spoke a little Chinese, but had a great curiosity about how the Chinese think about certain situations," he said.

Some critics have suggested that the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper needs a more cohesive policy on China. Mulroney said the recently approved investment pact with China provides a great starting point.

"We need to pursue more bilateral agreements like FIPA (Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement). When we have more agreements in place it helps to smooth out the inevitable disagreements that arise between nations. Diplomacy is always a lot easier when you have these agreements in place," he added.

FIPA became effective on Oct 1 and provides a legal framework to clarify rules on investment in both countries. It is designed to ensure that Chinese companies doing business in Canada and Canadian firms in China will be treated fairly and aims to create a more predictable and transparent business environment.

APF Canada, the Alberta government and Canadian financial services firm Manulife Financial organized the conference.

paulwelitzkin@chinadailyusa.com