VANCOUVER, Feb. 20, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of
International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today
met with stakeholders and local business leaders for a pre-budget
consultation and to highlight the many ways the Harper government's
Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative is helping grow Canada's
trade with high-growth Asian markets. Minister Fast also announced
that he will be leading a trade mission to China and Japan from April 7-12, 2013, that will focus on the
communications and information technologies sector.
"Canada's economy and future prosperity is our government's top
priority. That prosperity depends on increasing our exports in
fast-growing and dynamic markets around the world. That is why we've
undertaken the most ambitious trade expansion plan in our nation's
history," said Minister Fast. "The Asia-Pacific Gateway plays a key
role in supporting our growing trade with Asia, while creating jobs and
growth for local communities, as well as for Canada as a whole."
Business and industry leaders who are crucial to the Gateway's success
participated in the roundtable discussion, including industry and
business associations, port authorities and private sector companies.
"I received a lot of important feedback today on ways Economic Action
Plan 2013 can continue to keep Canada on the right track through
expanded export opportunities and the opening of new markets for
Canadian businesses," added Minister Fast. "Today's discussions will
guide us as we continue to implement pro-export and pro-growth measure
that will help create more jobs for today and tomorrow."
Minister Fast has been meeting with business leaders across Canada in
the lead-up to the next federal budget, including recently with
businesses and municipalities of British Columbia's Lower Mainland. To
ensure that all Canadians can participate in the process, Finance
Canada has launched an online pre-budget consultation process.
SOURCE: Transport Canada
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