No. H058/10
For release - May 19, 2010
Photo(s)
OTTAWA — Today the Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, concluded a visit to China where he promoted the Asia-Pacific Gateway as the fastest way for Chinese exporters to ship from factory floors to North American stores.
“In recent years, Canada has made impressive gains in our commercial relationship with China. As shippers here in Shanghai have discovered, Vancouver and Prince Rupert are the closest North American ports and there are many advantages for them to ship their merchandise through these ports,” said Minister Day. “My message to them was clear: Through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway, everything gets there sooner than you think.”
In Shanghai, Minister Day delivered a speech in front of a Canadian and Chinese business audience, where he called for stronger regulations for financial markets worldwide. However, Minister Day was clear that Canada is opposed to a global bank tax. The event was hosted by the Canada-China Business Council.
“Our regulations did not allow Canadian banks to engage in the type of opportunistic banking practices that led to financial problems in other countries. For that reason, Canadian banks should not be punished with an international tax,” explained Minister Day.
The Minister’s visit included stops in Shanghai and Beijing, where he met with China’s Vice-Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Vice-Minister of Transport and the Vice-Mayor of Shanghai. During these meetings, he talked about how Canadian ports, airports and railways have found more efficient ways to move containers into the heartland of North America more quickly.
While in China, Minister Day, along with British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, opened the Vancouver Pavilion at the Shanghai Expo 2010. He also toured the completed Canada and China pavilions, and opened the Canada Pavilion’s Business Program, a conference centre and visitors’ lounge to support Canadians as they promote business opportunities to Chinese investors and entrepreneurs.
“Expo 2010 will open the door for Canadian companies to develop business in China, and pursue trade and economic opportunities. It will allow us to show our Chinese and international guests that Canada is a destination of choice to conduct business, to study and to visit,” said Minister Day.
Along his tour of the Qinghai Pavilion, Minister Day laid a wreath to express condolences on behalf of the Government of Canada to the people of China on the passing of over 2,000 victims of the recent Yushu earthquake. Canada contributed $250,000, through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), to support UNICEF’s efforts to help women and children who are at risk due to cold, hunger and displacement following the earthquake.
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