No. H180/05
For release September 6, 2005
OTTAWA - Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre has concluded his business
meetings in Shanghai - the middle leg of Canada's transportation mission to
the People's Republic of China. This mission, which began in Beijing on
September 1, will see the Minister continue to Hong Kong for the final
portion, ending on September 7.
"This great port city of Shanghai was a beautiful setting for my meetings
with Chinese officials," said Mr. Lapierre. "I had the occasion to promote
Canadian intermodal transportation capabilities, and Canada's competitive
position through the development of integrated economic relationships and
improved market opportunities for Canadian companies in China, and Chinese
companies in Canada."
Joining Mr. Lapierre on the mission is a business delegation consisting of
more than 30 senior executives representing Canadian airports, passenger and
cargo airlines, ports, railways and transportation-related associations; Members
of Parliament Roger Gallaway and Don Bell; British Columbia's Minister of
Transportation, Kevin Falcon; and officials from the Provinces of British
Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.
While business events in Beijing focused on aviation-related issues, the
Shanghai focus was geared towards marine, rail and intermodal transportation.
To kick off the official Shanghai program, Mr. Lapierre launched the
Canada-China Intermodal Roundtable. More than 30 Canadian and Chinese officials
participated in these discussions. New opportunities and best practices for the
management of goods movement were discussed in light of the expanded trade
between Canada and China. Furthermore, attention was given to policy
considerations needed to support the increase in trade and requirements for
further expansion of critical marine and intermodal infrastructure.
Other highlights in Shanghai included a Canada-China Business Council
luncheon co hosted by Mr. Lapierre and the council. Approximately 150 Canadian
and Chinese business executives and Canadian and Shanghai government officials
attended the networking luncheon which served to promote successful business
cooperation between Canada and China. After the luncheon, the Canadian
delegation visited Shanghai's Waigaqiao Port, where they were provided with a
tour of its extensive operations. In addition, the Minister was briefed about
Shanghai's Yangshan deep water port facility, which will open later this year
and will expand the city's port capacity even further.
Mr. Lapierre also held a bilateral meeting with Mr. Yang Xiong, Vice-Mayor of
Shanghai, and with senior municipal officials. It was an opportunity to promote
Canadian business interests in Shanghai, to express Canada's commitment to
strong economic and trade ties, and to inform Chinese officials that Canadian
federal and provincial governments are working to ensure Canada's western
gateway is ready for both port capacity and clearance capability.
"Shanghai is the world's second largest freight port, the third largest
container port and it is by far the most important Chinese port for two-way
trade between our two countries," added Mr. Lapierre. "I was pleased to continue
to promote Canada's Pacific Gateway strategy, highlighting that the Ports of
Vancouver, Fraser River and Prince Rupert are the closest major ports from
Shanghai to North American markets."
A final key meeting was held with Mr. Zhou Hu, Deputy Managing Director of
COSCO Container Lines Co. Ltd - the largest container carrier in China and among
the top global liners. Once again, the Pacific Gateway was highlighted as an
initiative which will expand Canada's port capacity and encourage multi-modal
collaboration to ensure that goods move efficiently between sea and surface in
Canada.
This mission supports the Government of Canada's and Prime Minister Paul
Martin's goal of encouraging sector-specific missions, following the Prime
Minister's trade mission to China in January 2005. It also supports the
Government of Canada's International Policy Statement, tabled in April 2005,
identifying China as a key commercial partner.
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Contact:
André Fortin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister, Ottawa
(613) 991-0700
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.
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