Vancouver, B.C. – The Honourable Stephen Owen, Canada’s Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport), will attend meetings in Japan and China to strengthen Asian links with Western Canada.
The Minister will meet stakeholders in Tokyo, Nagoya and Aichi in Japan, followed by meetings in Shanghai and Beijing in China, for the purpose of forging stronger links in the areas of economic development and sport.
The trip will include meetings with government officials, and business and environmental stakeholders to exchange expertise in areas of mutual interest, including increasing trade and investment through a strengthened Asia-Pacific Gateway, commercializing environmental technologies, building sustainable communities, and international sport issues.
As Canada’s Sport Minister, he will exchange information on the challenges and opportunities of hosting the Olympics with Japanese and Chinese Ministers and government officials. In 2007, China will host the Special Olympics and in 2008 the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In 2010, Canada hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Vancouver-Whistler.
“With Japan already a force on the global stage and China a rapidly growing economic powerhouse, now is the time to build strong relationships with Asia in order to move our economy into the 21 st century,” said Minister Owen. “Canada can learn a lot from these countries and we have considerable expertise to share with them.”
In Japan, highlights of the Minister’s goals include meetings with senior Japanese officials to discuss regional economic development and sustainable communities; a reception to celebrate the 25 th anniversary of the Hokkaido-Alberta partnership and the 35 th anniversary of the opening of the Alberta office in Japan; and visits to the Toyota Prius Plant, the Canadian pavilion at Expo 2005 in Aichi, and the Nagoya Aquarium, sister-aquarium to the Vancouver Aquarium.
In Shanghai, China, highlights of the Minister’s visit include meetings with senior Chinese officials to discuss the Special Olympics, the World Urban Forum that will be held in Vancouver in 2006, and trade and sustainability issues.
Minister Owen will visit “Dream Home Canada” in Pudong District, which uses British Columbia lumber in combination with efficient building concepts, as well as the Canadian “Super E ®” Healthy Housing project in Qingpu District, which showcases Canadian products and concepts for energy-efficient housing.
In Beijing, China, the Minister will tour the Olympic facilities and sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Government related to international sport.
The Minister will be available for the following photo opportunities:
July 7: Tour of the Toyota Prius plant to view the latest generation hybrid
vehicle in Tokyo, Japan
July 8: Tour of Nagoya Aquarium with President of the Vancouver Aquarium July 8: Tour of the Canada Pavilion at the 2005 World Exposition 2005 in
Aichi, Japan
July 10: Visit to “Dream Home Canada” in Shanghai, China
July 10: Visit to “Super E ®” Healthy Housing development in Shanghai, China
July 13: Tour of Olympic facilities in Beijing, China
July 14: MOU signing with Chinese Government in Beijing
For additional information, contact:
Sandra Souchotte
Director, Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(613) 952-7101
Renée Gillen
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and
Minister of State (Sport)
(613) 954-1110
Bernée Bolton
Ministerial Liaison
Western Economic Diversification Canada
(604) 666-1324
WD Toll-Free Number
1 888 338-WEST (9378)
World Wide Web Site:
English: http://www.wd.gc.ca
French: http://www.deo.gc.ca
