McGuinty Government to Build on China Trade Mission

Successful Mission Opens New Trade, Research, Culture And Education Links

November 22, 2005 — QUEEN'S PARK — Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty said Ontario's successful mission to China is a major step toward increased trade, investment and cultural links between the province and one of the world's fastest growing economies.

“This was an exciting trip that showed just how much potential there is for Ontario to develop partnerships in China that will lead to jobs and opportunity for our province,” said Premier McGuinty. “I was proud to lead this mission and our hosts were impressed with the quality and the expertise of Ontario companies and organizations who made up our delegation.”

News release continues below

Slide Show Instructions: Roll over photo to view caption.

The 12-day trade mission included more than 125 people from approximately 100 organizations, representing private sector companies, universities and colleges, municipalities, agricultural organizations and medical research institutions. The delegation visited Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing and Hong Kong.

Highlights of the trade mission included:

• The renewal of Ontario's 20-year-old friendship and cooperation agreement, including the formation of a new Business Council, with Jiangsu Province, one of the fastest growing regions in one of the fastest growing countries in the world
• The Premier's meetings with top government officials — considered essential in a country where official sanction is important to doing business — including the Vice-Chair of the National People's Congress Gu Xuilian, Vice Minister of Commerce Ma Xiuhong, Information Industries Minister Wang Xudong, Education Minister Zhou Ji, the Vice-Mayor of Shanghai Zhou Yupeng, the Vice-Mayor of Suzhou Zhou Weigiang, the Governor of Jiangsu Province Liang Baohua and the Party Secretary of Jiangsu Province Li Yuanchao
• Major speeches to business groups and meetings with leading investors, including Li Ka Shing, the Chairman of Cheung Kong (Holdings) Ltd. and Hutchison Whampoa Ltd., and listed by Forbes as one of the world's richest people
• The Premier's speech on the importance of rule of law and human rights at Beijing's Tsinghua University and his visit with students at Middle School #10 in Suzhou
• A successful series of business roundtables and seminars matching Ontario organizations with over 600 potential partners.

Delegation members also signed more than 30 agreements:

• The University of Waterloo secured a major partnership with Nanjing University that allows students to earn degrees by studying in both countries.
• Shred Tech Corporation signed an agreement with a Beijing firm to manufacture and promote technology for the processing of medical waste.
• Mount Sinai Hospital signed an agreement to pursue joint genomics research with Hong Kong University.
• Hoken Agritech International Inc. agreed to supply bovine embryos and animal health products to a Nanjing dairy company.
• LComm signed a letter of intent with Beijing Longshine Technology Ltd. for a licensing agreement to market LComm wireless solutions to the marine resource drilling marketplace in China.
• Vanatter Group Inc. entered into a long-term agreement with a Shanghai auto company.

“We need to broaden our trade horizons as a province,” said Minister of Economic Development and Trade Joseph Cordiano, who accompanied the Premier on the trade mission. “If we can forge new partnerships with China and help Ontario companies expand into new jurisdictions, we will cement a solid two-way trade relationship with this crucial market. Our mission may be over, but we are beginning a very exciting economic journey.”

Tony Wong, a Hong Kong native who is the MPP for Markham, also joined the Premier on the trade mission.

“It's clear that as Ontario continues investing in the skills of its people, building a culture of innovation and competing for new investment, we'll find strong partners in China who share our vision for prosperity,” said Wong.

“Everywhere we travelled, we made it clear that Ontario is open for business, Ontario is open to China and Ontario is aggressively pursuing greater two-way trade and investment,” said Premier McGuinty. “ That's why Ontarians must continue striving to work more closely with China to strengthen our ties and succeed together.”

For more information:

Premier’s Media Office
416-314-8975

www.premier.gov.on.ca
www.resultsontario.gov.on.ca

MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE

Privacy | Important Notices
Copyright Information: © 2005 Queen's Printer for Ontario