The ongoing trade conflict between two global economic giants is generating increased impacts on the flow of trade and investment between countries, contributing to business uncertainty, and proving a drag on growth. Some sectors of the US economy (e.g., agriculture) are feeling real pain, while others (like ICT) face a grave threat. The cost to American consumers is rising. Supply and production networks have been disrupted. The PRC is witnessing a relocation of some foreign investment and a negative impact on overall economic activity that increasingly worries policy makers. Some countries (e.g., in ASEAN) are gaining in the short run, while Canada is both winning and losing in the midst of this high-profile bilateral conflict - which may or may not be ending soon.

Bart W. Édes
Bart W. Édes has served as the Asian Development Bank's (ADB's) Representative in North America since October 2, 2017. In this capacity, he mobilizes financing for ADB's developing member countries; shares development knowledge and experience; establishes and deepens partnerships with public, private and nonprofit organizations in North America; and raises public awareness of ADB in Canada and the United States.

His earlier ADB experience includes leading teams responsible for knowledge management, social development, gender equity, the social sectors, civil society engagement, ICT for Development, inclusive business, governance, and public sector management. He guided the formulation of ADB's Public Communications Policy, which set a new global benchmark for transparency and information sharing among the international financial institutions. Mr. Édes has also served as Alternate Chairperson of ADB’s Appeals Committee, and Member of the ADB Integrity Oversight Committee.

Between 1994 and 2000, Mr. Édes managed communications at SIGMA, a joint initiative of the European Union and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development providing support to public governance reform in Central and Eastern European countries. Mr. Édes has also worked as a journalist, researcher, policy analyst, and specialist on international trade and foreign direct investment.

He has a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Government (cum laude) from Georgetown University. Mr. Édes is a dual national of Canada and the United States.