Prince Rupert and the Asia - Pacific Gateway will remain a key part of Canada's economic growth, according to Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Ed Fast.
"China is now the world's second-largest economy after the United States. Therefore, it is important that we further develop our trading relationship with China to create opportunities for Canadians," said Minister Fast, noting that China is Canada's second-largest merchandise trading partner and that trade value reached $57.7 billion in 2010.
Fast made the comments following a roundtable discussing the business opportunities that exist between Canada and China, which included Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Randy Kamp and Yuen Pau Woo, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
"Minister Fast had a very constructive exchange with business leaders on growing trade ties with China and other Asian countries...He is committed to a deeper and broader relationship with the region, and is clearly interested in feedback and suggestions from stakeholders," said Woo.
"When Canadian businesses succeed abroad, jobs and prosperity are created here at home. At today's round table, hearing what our Canadian companies have to say about making their businesses more competitive will help ensure we continue to take measures that make Canada even more competitive and prosperous-now and into the future," said Minister Fast.