July 26, 2006
No. 86
The Honourable David L. Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the
Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today opened the new
Canadian Consulate General in San Francisco.
“Canada’s new government is focused on strengthening trade in North America, and
California represents a significant market,” said Minister Emerson. “Our new Consulate
General will be promoting Canada as the ideal investment location for California
businesses, as well as looking for new opportunities for cooperation in the Bay Area
and Silicon Valley.”
The Consulate General will work to advance bilateral trade, as well as academic and
cultural ties. As part of its trade mandate, the Consulate General will help identify joint
business partnerships, develop research opportunities and promote investment.
“The Pacific Coast represents a tremendous opportunity for both our countries to attract
investment, import and export traffic, and tourism,” Minister Emerson said. “During my
visit, I will be meeting with business and political leaders to see where we can
collaborate and forge new partnerships.”
The Consulate General was upgraded from a consulate as part of the Government of
Canada’s strategy to build stronger bilateral relations with the United States. Canada’s
network in the U.S. now includes 13 consulates general and six consulates in addition
to the Embassy in Washington, D.C.
California is Canada’s fourth-largest market; in 2005, two-way merchandise trade
between Canada and California exceeded $38.8 billion (US$32 billion). Canadian
exports to California were valued at $26.7 billion (US$22 billion), while imports from
California reached $12 billion (US$9.9 billion).
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Jennifer Chiu
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and
the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-371-1557
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
http://www.international.gc.ca
