No. H174/05
For release August 22, 2005

TRANSPORT MINISTER LEADS
TRANSPORTATION MISSION TO CHINA

OTTAWA — Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre will lead a transportation mission to the People's Republic of China from September 1^st through 7^th, 2005. The mission includes stops in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong to discuss various transportation issues including Canada as a gateway to North America, as well as aviation, marine and intermodal opportunities.

"This mission is an excellent opportunity to promote Canada as a gateway to North America, discuss our approaches to air, marine and intermodal transportation and encourage bilateral exchanges between our two countries," said Mr. Lapierre. "It will also provide Canadian businesses with the chance to strengthen commercial ties with their Chinese counterparts."

Mr. Lapierre will be accompanied by a business delegation including more than 30 senior executives representing Canadian airports, passenger and cargo airlines, ports, railways and transportation-related associations. Also participating in the mission will be British Columbia's Minister of Transportation, Kevin Falcon, as well as officials from the governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

While in Beijing, Mr. Lapierre will hold bilateral meetings with his host, the Minister of the Civil Aviation Authority of China on various air transportation issues, as well as with other senior Chinese officials and counterparts. Mr. Lapierre will also launch the Canada-China Aviation Symposium and tour Beijing Capital International Airport.

In Shanghai, Mr. Lapierre will meet with Shanghai municipal authorities to discuss transportation issues and open the Canada-China Intermodal Roundtable. He will also tour the Yangshan Deep Water Port and meet with representatives of major transportation firms.

In Hong Kong, Mr. Lapierre will meet with senior Chinese officials to discuss issues of mutual interest and promote Canada as the North American gateway. He will be the keynote speaker for a breakfast with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and meet officials from the local business community. Mr. Lapierre will also tour Hutchinson Container Port Facilities at Hongkong International Terminals.

This mission is being convened in support of the Government of Canada's and Prime Minister Paul Martin's goal of encouraging sector-specific missions, following the Prime Minister's trade mission to China in January 2005.

A backgrounder with a list of the participating companies or organizations that will make up the business delegation is attached.

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BACKGROUNDER

2005 TRANSPORTATION MISSION
TO CHINA BUSINESS DELEGATION

Representatives of the following companies and organizations will make up the business delegation:

• Air Canada
• Air Transat
• Air Transport Association of Canada
• AllCanada Express Inc.
• Bombardier Aerospace
• Bombardier Inc.
• Canadian Airports Council
• Canadian Pacific Railways
• Cargojet
• Canadian National Railway Company
• DAA (Daniel Harbour Associates)
• Edmonton International Airport
• Fraser River Port Authority
• Fraser Surrey Docks
• Greater Toronto Airports Authority
• Greater Vancouver Gateway Council
• Halifax Port Authority
• Harmony Airways
• Le Groupe S.M. International Inc.
• Montreal Port Authority
• P & O Ports Canada Inc.
• Prince Rupert Port Authority
• Railway Association of Canada
• Siemens Canada Limited
• SNC – Lavalin
• The Calgary Airport Authority
• TSI Terminal Systems Inc.
• Vancouver International Airport Authority
• Vancouver Port Authority
• Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.

August 2005