BEIJING - A program that promotes Canadian wood exports
will receive continued support for its activities from the Government of Canada.
The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of
Natural Resources, today announced that approximately $2.5 million in funding
for the Canada Wood Export Program (known as Canada Wood) will be targeted to
the Chinese market in 2005-2006.
The contribution to the program, which is administered by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan),
will be matched by funding from the Canadian wood-products industry as well as
the provinces of British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario.
"Through the Canada Wood program, the Canadian industry has established a
strong foothold in the expanding Chinese market and an in depth understanding of
its requirements," said Minister McCallum. "With this funding, the program will
increase our market development activities and do even more to get Canadian wood
and wood products into China."
The money will support market-development efforts, including a strong
Canadian presence in the Chinese market; branding initiatives such as
high-profile trade shows, publications and training seminars; and technical
support activities, including wood-frame construction training projects and
market acceptance.
Launched in 2002, Canada Wood is a five-year, $35-million partnership with
the domestic wood industry. Projects funded by Canada Wood have resulted in the
development of codes and standards for wood-frame construction in China, Japan
and Taiwan; increased sales of Canadian prefabricated homes in the United
Kingdom and France; and the accreditation of Canadian plywood panels for sale in
the European Union.
China represents Canada Wood's second-largest investment in
market-development activities. Since 2002, exports of Canadian wood products to
China have risen more than 76 percent from $58.7 million to $103.5 million in
2004, with continued growth expected.
Canada Wood has also partnered with NRCan's Super E®
Program to expand markets for energy-efficient housing. In June 2005, the
Super E technology was introduced to China, with several Super E homes
built in Shanghai.
This investment in expanding Canada's wood-export markets advances the
country's international leadership role in the natural resources sectors, which
are a vital part of Canada's economy and society. It also supports the
Government of Canada's commitment to building on the strength of our country and
our people.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
The Government of Canada will provide approximately $2.5 million in continued
funding to support the market-development activities of the Canada Wood Export
Program in China. The funding will be matched by the Canadian wood-products
industry and the provinces of British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario.
For more information, media may contact:
Ghyslain CharronMedia RelationsNatural Resources
CanadaOttawa(613) 992-4447
Tom OrmsbyDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the MinisterNatural
Resources CanadaOttawa (613) 996-2007
