NEWS RELEASES
EGGLETON UNVEILS FIRST CHINA AND HONG KONGTRADE ACTION PLAN
November 26, 1996 No. 219
EGGLETON UNVEILS FIRST CHINA AND HONG KONG
TRADE ACTION PLAN
The Honourable Art Eggleton, Minister for International Trade, today unveiled
Canada's first China and Hong Kong Trade Action Plan at the Canada-China Business
Council's annual general meeting and policy conference in Shanghai.
"The China and Hong Kong markets hold significant potential for Canadian firms,"
stated Mr. Eggleton in his keynote speech at the conference. "The action plan is
designed to assist export-ready Canadian companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, to take maximum advantage of business opportunities in China
and Hong Kong."
China and Hong Kong taken together represent Canada's third-largest export market
after the United States and Japan. The China and Hong Kong Trade Action Plan
provides a strategic framework for the Canadian government and business community
to work together to meet the challenge of $20 billion in two-way trade with China
and Hong Kong by the year 2000, the goal set by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and
Chinese Premier Li Peng in November 1994.
"The decision to combine China and Hong Kong in one trade action plan recognizes
the growing interdependence of their economies as 1997 draws near," stated
Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan, also in Shanghai. "It also
highlights Hong Kong's potential in facilitating the entry of Canadian companies
into China, while recognizing the distinct nature of the Hong Kong market."
Developed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in
consultation with the Canadian public and private sectors, the trade action plan
aims to expand Canada's market presence in China and Hong Kong by focussing on 14
promising business sectors. These are advanced technology; agriculture, fish and
seafood; business, professional and educational services; construction; consumer
goods; cultural industries; environment; financial services; forestry; medical and
health care products; mining, metals and minerals; oil and gas; power; and
transportation.
The plan will be revised and reissued on an annual basis in consultation with all
stakeholders, to reflect market changes and incorporate adjustments to the trade
development strategy.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Nicole Bourget
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 996-6271
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
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