MESSAGE FROM THE
HONOURABLE SERGIO MARCHI
MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE
I am pleased to welcome you on this mission to China, in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC). As you may be aware, this is my second trip to China in less than seven months and I am excited about the prospects which this market continues to offer to Canadian exporters.
This trip follows the successful trade mission I led last spring to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong with 84 Canadian business people; the largest ministerial mission to China since Team Canada in 1994. As you may be aware, 1998 marks the 20th anniversary of the CCBC and I am pleased that I can attend, along with you, the AGM of this important and influential business association. I would also like to welcome all of you who will be accompanying me on our pre-AGM Trade Mission to Dalian. Dalian is an exciting city, offering tremendous commercial opportunities for Canadian business. We will be meeting with the Governor of Liaoning Province, Mr. Zhang Guagong, the Party Secretary of Liaoning Province, Mr. Wen Shizhen and the Mayor of Dalian, Mr. Bo Xilai. I look forward to joining our Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien at the CCBC gala dinner on November 20th. This will be Mr. Chrétien's fifth year at this business event. We are honoured that His Excellency, Premier Zhu Rongji will also join us, along with several high ranking Chinese officials and business people.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade continues to work closely with a number of business organizations and I am particularly pleased with the close collaboration we have with the CCBC. I continue to be impressed by the CCBC and how it has enhanced Canadian business interests in China.
I look forward to working with you and wish you every success on this mission, at the Annual General Meeting and in the future.
