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<p><span style="font-size: 14pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">April 19, 2005 <i>(4:20 p.m. EDT)</i><br>
No. 69</span></span></p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">CANADA AND THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA CONCLUDE </span></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center"><span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-size: 14pt">NEW BILATERAL AIR AGREEMENT</span></span></p>
<br>
<p>International Trade Minister Jim Peterson and Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre
today announced the conclusion of a new and expanded bilateral air transport
agreement with the People’s Republic of China.</p>
<br>
<p>The new agreement provides for a threefold increase in permitted passenger and cargo
flights to be operated by more airlines between more city pairs and under more flexible
operating conditions than under the previous agreement. The new agreement also
contains strong aviation safety and security provisions.</p>
<br>
<p>“Expanding air services to China gives Canadians and Canadian business new
doorways through which they can increase their presence in this dynamic market,” said
Minister Peterson. “Canadian businesses have said they want better access to the
Chinese market, and we are listening. This is a concrete example of the importance
Canada places on our emerging market strategy.”</p>
<br>
<p>“Given the rapid growth in air travel between Canada and China, this new agreement is
very timely,” said Minister Lapierre. “Canada and the People’s Republic of China can be
proud of the benefits this agreement will have for the travellers, shippers and airlines of
both countries.”</p>
<br>
<p>The new entitlements under the agreement for airline operations include possibilities for
additional passenger, all-cargo and code-sharing air services by the airlines of Canada
and China. The higher permitted frequency of weekly flights has been put in place to
accommodate growing demand in the bilateral air travel market. The strong aviation
safety and security provisions agreed to indicate the importance that both countries
attach to these matters.</p>
<br>
<p>As a consequence of these improvements to the bilateral air transport arrangements,
Air Canada, Cargojet and Harmony Airways intend to introduce new air services. Air
Transat and All Canada Express have also expressed interest in serving China.</p>
<br>
<p style="text-align: center">- 30 -</p>
<br>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<br>
<p>Jacqueline LaRocque<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of International Trade<br>
(613) 992-7332</p>
<br>
<p>Media Relations Office<br>
International Trade Canada<br>
(613) 995-1874<br>
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221004238/http://www.international.gc.ca/"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.international.gc.ca</span></span></a><span style="color: #000000"></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="color: #000000">Irène Marcheterre<br>
Director of Communications<br>
Office of the Minister of Transport<br>
(613) 991-0700<span> </span></span></p>
<br>
<p><span style="color: #000000">Media Relations<br>
Transport Canada<br>
993-0055<br>
</span><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221004238/http://www.tc.gc.ca/"><span style="color: #0000ff"><span style="text-decoration: underline">http://www.tc.gc.ca</span></span></a><span style="color: #000000"></span></p>
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