Ontario Trade Mission Departs For China

Trip To Include Stops In Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing And Hong Kong

November 4, 2005 - QUEEN'S PARK — Premier Dalton McGuinty said he will stress the themes of education, innovation and investment as he joined business and public sector representatives today in departing for Ontario's trade mission to China.

“Ontario is open for business and Ontario is open to China. Our people are very interested in strengthening our friendship with the Chinese people, and our business ties with one of the world's most rapidly growing economies,” the Premier said today.

“We'll be telling the Chinese about Ontario's highly skilled and well-educated workforce, our drive to discover new ideas and develop them into innovative products, and how Ontario is a gateway to the North American market and, because of our diverse population, a passageway to the world.”

The trade mission includes more than 125 people from 100 organizations, representing private sector companies, universities and colleges, municipalities, agricultural organizations and medical research institutions.

The first stop is Beijing, where the Ontario delegation will network with Chinese business leaders, sign several Memoranda of Understanding and where Premier McGuinty will be the guest of honour at the Canada-China Business Council's annual gala dinner. The Premier will meet with Chinese officials, address law students at Tsinghua University and cut the ribbon on a research laboratory involving an Ontario company.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade Joseph Cordiano will also meet with Chinese officials and business leaders to assist Ontario firms in pursuing opportunities.

“Ontario is in a unique position to use its advantages of a diverse, well-educated and highly skilled workforce to compete in the global economy,” said Minister of Economic Development and Trade Joseph Cordiano. “This trade mission is a great opportunity for us to tell Ontario's story around the world, which will translate into jobs and investment here at home.”

“We are very proud of our friendship with China, our trade with China and our business with China,” said Premier McGuinty. “We want to strengthen that friendship, increase that trade and become even stronger partners.”

The Ontario delegation will travel to Shanghai on November 9, Suzhou and Nanjing on November 11 and Hong Kong on November 13.

For more information:

Premier’s Media Office
416-314-8975

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