The United States once dominated the global economy, but its share has been shrinking as the economies of many newly industrialized countries grow at a faster rate. The emergence of China and India has altered the global economy, and in this new context, Canada and its partners have to adapt their trade and investment strategies to maximize the benefits of participating in global value chains.
To help inform Canadian foreign policy, Chantal Blouin, a senior research associate at the centre for trade policy and law at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, was one of eight fellows selected by the Canadian International Council for its prestigious 2008 fellowship program. A non-partisan, nation-wide council, the Canadian International Council was established to broaden the debate and generate fresh thinking on Canada’s role in international affairs.
Blouin will produce policy recommendations on Canadian foreign policy in the Americas. Through case studies, she will assess the impact of the emergence of China and India on the integration of Latin America and the Caribbean into the global economy; the potential for poverty reduction by integrating into the global economy through the provision of primary goods; and the role of Canadian-owned firms and Canadian-based investors in the regions.
“My research will assist the Canadian government in adapting its present trade and investment strategies to ensure that Canadians are properly plugged into the world economic stage and marketplace,” says Blouin, whose research program investigates how trade agreements and the benefits of economic integration can contribute to poverty reduction and human development.
In recent years, she has been leading an innovative research and capacity-building program on the emerging issues related to trade and health in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO). A member of the WHO Scientific Resource Group on Globalization, Trade and Health, Blouin previously held a congressional fellowship from the American Political Science Association and the Norman Robertson Research Fellowship at the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
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