Baird to Visit China: Minister on Mission to Strengthen Ties, Boost Travel and Trade

OTTAWA, ONTARIO, Jul 12 (MARKET WIRE) --
Canada's Transport and Infrastructure Minister, John Baird, today
announced that he is travelling to China this week for a series of
meetings with Chinese government officials and members of the Chinese and
Canadian business community. The Minister's visit is aimed at enhancing
the relationship between Canada and China, fostering cooperation in the
transportation sector and seeing what lessons Canada might learn from
China's ambitious infrastructure renewal and expansion programs.

"China and Canada are positioned to yield great business opportunities
today and in years to come," said Baird. "And as part of Canada's plan to
emerge strong from the global recession, we are taking the opportunity to
strengthen our trade and transport ties with a true economic powerhouse."

Baird added that the emergence of a massive middle-class in China has
boosted opportunities for travel and trade between our two countries.

Canada's commitment to improving infrastructure and reducing trade
barriers is a key element of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor
Initiative, which is positioning Canada as a gateway of choice for
facilitating global supply chains between North America and Asia.

"Canada is a major player when it comes to transportation, infrastructure
development and logistics and I want to personally convey to our Chinese
partners that Canada is ready to boost investment in and increase travel
from China", said Baird.

While in China, the Minister will meet with senior Chinese officials and
members of the business community in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou,
Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau.

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases
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alternative formats for persons living with visual disabilities.

Contacts:
Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of Canada's Transport Minister,
John Baird, Ottawa
613-991-0700

Media Relations
Transport Canada, Ottawa
613-993-0055

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