May 10, 2000
Ottawa,Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien announced today that he will lead the sixth Team Canada trade mission to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong from November 18-26, 2000.

The Prime Minister will be joined by Canada’s provincial premiers and territorial leaders, International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew, Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan and a delegation of business people, heads of educational institutions and municipalities and young entrepreneurs.

"Team Canada is a centrepiece of our strategy to increase trade and create jobs and growth in Canada," said the Prime Minister. "We are hitting the road again to showcase Canadian goods, services and know-how. I look forward to working with the provincial premiers and territorial leaders in helping Canadian businesses deepen their trade and investment relationships in China and Hong Kong."

The Prime Minister also noted that the mission coincides with the 30th anniversary year of Canada-China diplomatic relations. "Our two countries have built a strong and enduring relationship over the past 30 years that goes far beyond business links," said the Prime Minister. "We look forward to continuing to work with China’s leaders and citizens on a broad range of issues that reflect the interests and values of Canadians."

During his stay in Beijing, the Prime Minister will address the Annual Meeting of the Canada-China Business Council, which promotes and facilitates the expansion of commercial relations between China and Canada. China, including Hong Kong, is Canada's third largest trading partner with exports at $3.69 billion. In addition to its close links with the mainland market, Hong Kong is a major centre for international business in Asia.

The Canadian business delegation will be drawn from nine priority sectors that were chosen in consultation with the provinces and territories: information and communications technologies; agriculture and agri-food; construction, building materials, products and services; environmental industries and technologies; transportation; energy resources and technologies; health and financial services; educational technologies and services; and tourism.

The Prime Minister has led five previous Team Canada trade missions to: China in 1994; India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia in 1996; South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand in 1997; Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile in 1998; and Japan in 1999. These missions have helped more than 1,800 Canadian businesses conclude more than 880 deals, worth an estimated $24.4 billion.

Those interested in participating in Team Canada 2000 should consult the Team Canada website at www.tcm-mec.gc.ca.

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