• Main Menu

• Foreign Policy
• International Trade
• Travel Assistance
• Countries and Regions
• Culture, Education and Youth
• Ministers

NEWS RELEASES

July 19, 1996 No. 129

CHAN TO VISIT VIET NAM AND MALAYSIA

AND LEAD TRADE MISSION

The Honourable Raymond Chan, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific), will visit Viet Nam and Malaysia between July 23 and August 2 to enhance Canada's political, trade and sustainable development ties with these countries.

Leading a delegation of 17 Canadian companies, Mr. Chan will also meet with city planners and officials to promote Canadian involvement in projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam, as well as Penang and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"Canada is developing a full economic partnership with Malaysia with emphasis in the environment, forestry, infrastructure, power, aerospace and education sectors," Mr. Chan said. "We are also committed to working with Viet Nam as it develops policies, institutions and programs that foster social development, economic growth and environmental protection.

"Canada has a lot to offer both Viet Nam and Malaysia in goods, technology and expertise to further sustainable development."

In Hanoi from July 23 to 25, Mr. Chan will meet Deputy Prime Minister Phan Van Khai, Minister of Science, Technology and the Environment Dang Huu, Minister of Transport and Communications Bui Danh Luu and Minister of Construction Ngo Xuan Loc.

In Ho Chi Minh City on July 26, Mr. Chan will meet senior representatives of the city's People's Committee and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He will also tour the Thuan An Centre for the deaf and mute, which received playground equipment donated by the Richmond Senior Secondary School.

In Langkawi, Malaysia, from July 27 to 31, Mr. Chan will represent Canada at the Langkawi International Dialogue, an initiative of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir. He will deliver a statement on the role of government in stimulating partnerships between the public and private sectors. This forum will include representatives from government, banks, financial institutions, large manufacturing industries and multinationals from various countries.

In Penang on August 1, Mr. Chan will meet with Chief Minister Koh Tsu Koon and representatives of the Penang Development Corporation. He will deliver a keynote address to representatives of Penang's Chambers of Commerce and business development associations. In Kuala Lumpur on August 2, Mr. Chan will visit the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers.

Merchandise trade between Canada and Viet Nam and between Canada and Malaysia continues to grow at impressive rates. Two-way trade with Viet Nam was $110 million in 1995, up from $60 million in 1994 and $42 million in 1993. Exports last year alone grew by 30 per cent to $34 million. Two-way trade with Malaysia exceeded $2 billion in 1995, with exports increasing 95 per cent to $571 million.

- 30 -

A list of the Canadian companies accompanying Mr. Chan to Viet Nam and Malaysia is attached.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Hilary Humphrey

Communications Assistant

Office of the Honourable Raymond Chan

(613) 995-1852

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

VISIT OF THE HONOURABLE RAYMOND CHAN,

SECRETARY OF STATE (ASIA-PACIFIC),

TO VIET NAM AND MALAYSIA

JULY 23-AUGUST 2, 1996

BUSINESS DELEGATION