EAST LANSING, Mich. The industry of trade may help Michigans battered economy, according to Michigan State Universitys Canadian Studies Center and the Canadian Consul General Office in Detroit.

On April 22, Canadian Ambassador to the United States Michael Wilson will join Michigan business leaders, scholars, association executives and political leaders in a forum about trade, an issue central to the Michigan economy. The forum, co-sponsored by the Canadian Studies Center and the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in room 145 of the Communications Arts and Science Building.

If Michigan is to experience growth, every opportunity must be uncovered. One particular area of opportunity requiring more discussion is our states role as an efficient portal and liaison to the U.S., and how to maximize assets shared with Canada, said AnnMarie Schneider, Canadian Studies Center acting director. The meetings key objective is to air the best ideas for capitalizing on shared assets and discuss how to expedite those ideas through public policy and collaboration.

She said traditionally a major component of international economic policy, trade has become paramount to many issues, including revenue and growth distribution, science and technology applications and skill and product exchange, as well as environment, energy and water considerations.

Ambassador Wilson will open the session with a presentation titled, Business and Trade: The Real and Potential Value of Canada, Michigan and U.S. Relations. His participation will be made available through a live video link. Canadas Consul General Robert Noble will also be in attendance.

Forum initiators believe trade and collaboration between the U.S. and Canada is critical and can be an example to the world during times of far and wide-reaching economic crisis.

The Canadian Studies Centers ultimate hope is to spark new ideas for economic development among people who can help to make it happen, Schneider said.

The Canadian Studies Center at Michigan State University is part of the Office of International Studies and Programs.