This volume, first published in 1970, assesses the major reappraisal of US world commercial policy that took place in the 1960s – in particular the wishes for free trade treaties that would bring about the liberalisation of international trade.

The principal objective of this report is to examine Canada's shrinking presence in the Asia-Pacific region in light of the trade & investment opportunities there, and to make recommendations for a new Asia-Pacific policy aimed at reinvigorating Canada's ties with the region. The introduction reviews the work of the Subcommittee on International Trade, Trade Disputes & Investment in preparing the report. Chapter 2 examines recent trends in economic growth, reform, & integration in the region, as well as some of the trade opportunities in specific sectors, and makes the case for increased trade & investment. The final chapter outlines the Subcommittee's recommendations in three categories: removing barriers to trade & investment; creation of an environment to enable pursuing closer economic ties; and the federal role in helping the Canadian business community succeed in the region. Appendices include background information on Asian economic reforms, intra-regional trade agreements in Asia-Pacific, and the Canadian trade & investment relationship with the region. It also includes dissenting opinions about the report.

Mega-regionalism in the Asia Pacific has led to the formation of several emerging trade blocs, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership. This book, in addition to the examination of trade policies in the region, offers a comprehensive analysis of ongoing developments such as the impact of new members on the incumbent TPP-12 and its spillover to third parties, as well an objective study of the crucial issues of liberalization of agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and intellectual property rights.