MINISTER STRAHL IN CHINA TO CELEBRATE DIPLOMATIC MILESTONE

OTTAWA, Oct. 13 /CNW/ - Today the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Canada's Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, attended a ceremony in Beijing to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China.

"I am delighted to be here on behalf of the Government of Canada to celebrate this important milestone for Canada-China relations," said Minister Strahl. "Both our countries continue to benefit from the valuable ties between us that promote trade, create jobs and build cooperation."

The 40th anniversary celebrations include the opening of an exhibit dedicated to revered Canadian doctor Norman Bethune and his pioneering work from 1938 to 1939 in treating wounded Chinese soldiers. Minister Strahl will also deliver the opening address at the Annual General Meeting dinner being hosted by the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), where government and business leaders will recognize the strong links between sound bilateral relations, and trade and investment.  

The visit will provide further opportunities to strengthen diplomatic relations between the Canadian and Chinese governments, and continue to develop economic and financial cooperation. During his stop in Shanghai, Minister Strahl will deliver a keynote speech at the CCBC's 2nd Canadian Financial Forum. The forum will focus on Canada's role in Shanghai's transformation into an international financial centre.

"Over the years, our countries have built an extraordinary partnership across cultural, economic and financial spheres," said Minister Strahl. "From trade and investment, to science and innovation, our governments have also become commercial partners in many areas. I look forward to expanding our joint cooperation now and well into the future."

Meetings with senior government officials and key Chinese transportation organizations, such as shippers, airline representatives, port authorities and terminal operators, will reinforce the strength of bilateral cooperation across different modes of transport between the two countries. Minister Strahl will also promote the competitive benefits of Canada's Pacific Gateway for Chinese businesses and organizations.

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THE ASIA-PACIFIC GATEWAY AND CORRIDOR INITIATIVE

The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI) is an integrated set of investment and policy measures focused on trade with the Asia-Pacific region. Its mission is to establish Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor as the best transportation network facilitating global supply chains between North America and Asia. The APGCI was launched by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in October 2006.

The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor is a network of transportation infrastructure including B.C.'s Lower Mainland and Prince Rupert ports, their principal road and rail connections stretching across Western Canada and south to the United States, key border crossings and major Canadian airports. The network serves all of Canada and the initiative aims to take advantage of Canada's strategic location at the crossroads between the North American marketplace and Asia.

The APGCI seeks to:

• increase transportation capacity;
• reduce congestion at key locations for Asia-Pacific trade;
• improve connections between modes; and
• enhance efficiency, safety and security.

The Government of Canada's investments will continue to promote increased investments by the private sector and other public-sector partners to ensure efficient and seamless connections between the various modes of transportation and improve traffic flows for international cargo.

For further information:

Nina Chiarelli Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Chuck Strahl Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa 613-991-0700

Media Relations    Transport Canada, Ottawa    613-993-0055