SEPTEMBER 2012

A publication of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

09 / 2012

Corporate
Premier Sponsors

Partnership

Executive Sponsors

Calendar

Calendar of events:
2012/2013 TCCC Executives
His Excellence Ambassador of Canada President Peter van Haren Vice President Derek van Pelt Vice President John Casella Secretary Dr. Tim Cornwall Treasurer Michael Howard

TCCC

Patron:

Officers:

WHEN: Friday, November 9, 2012; 6:30 pm 9:00 pm WHAT: Eastern Seaboard Networking Night & Pre-Registration for Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament WHERE: Garden Lounge, Amari Orchid Hotel - Pattaya PRICE: Beaver Golfers free admission; All Chamber Members 200 baht; Non Chamber Members 400 baht WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2012; Noon shotgun start WHAT: 3nd Annual Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament WHERE: Phoenix Golf and Country Club Near Pattaya PRICE: November 1st onward Player fee is 3,999 baht WHEN: Saturday, November 10, 2012; 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm WHAT: 3nd Annual Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament Dinner WHERE: Amari Orchid Hotel Pattaya PRICE: Players No Charge; Guests - 1,000 baht

Executive Board:
Ali Fancy Derek van Pelt John Casella John Stevens Neil Chiu Michael Howard Peter van Haren Ron Livingston Scott Coates Sranyoo Chanate Dr. Tim Cornwall Todd Switzer Ping Kitnikone

Upcoming events in the region:

CCBA

Embassy Representative: Advisors:

Sean Brady Don Lavoie Geoff McIntyre Michael White Picharn Sukparangsee Raymond Bodemer Sam Cohen Surachit Chanovan

Hong Kong: http://www.cancham.org WHEN: Monday, October 29, 2012, 6:30pm - 9:30pm WHAT: The Art of Persuasion: The Art of Selling Services, Concepts and Ideas WHERE: Council Chamber, 4th Floor, Duke of Windsor Building, 15 Hennessy Road, Wanchai PRICE: Member Companies $2,880/ Non-member Companies $3,180 WHEN: Tuesday, October 30, 2012, 12.30pm-2.00pm WHAT: The High Performing Career: From Entrepreneur to Mogul WHERE: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, 1301 Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central PRICE: HK$150 for members, HK$250 for non-members Japan: http://www.cccj.or.jp WHEN: Thursday, October 25th, 2012 18.30-21.00 (Doors Open for Registration at 18:00) WHAT: Kansai-2012 Joint Intl. Meishi Exchange WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, The Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor PRICE: Yen 8,000 Includes buffet, drinks and one raffle ticket for a door prize

Executive Director:
Randy Shockley

Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

139 Pan Road, Sethiwan Tower 9th floor, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66(0) 2266-6085-6 Fax: +66(0) 2266-6087 Email: tccc@loxinfo.co.th Website: www.tccc.or.th

The Voyageur is the monthly magazine of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, covering all Thai-Canadian business, legal and social news of interest to the members and others who are active in expanding Thai-Canadian bilateral trade. Editor: Randy Shockley, Executive Director, Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Publisher: Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. 211 Soi Prasert-Manukitch 29, Prasert-Manukitch Rd., Chorakeabua, Ladprao Bangkok 10230 Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166-8 Fax: +66(0) 2943-7169 Design: Disraporn Yatprom Email: disraporn@scandmedia.com Advertising Contact: Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd. Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166 ext.116 or 08-1866-2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com

2012 Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament

- Friday, November 9 and Saturday, November 10, 2012.
Make sure you join us for the 3rd running of the Beaver. This 2-man scramble event offers scoring prizes, technical prizes for good shots and lousy shots, giveaways, lucky draws, slapshots, food, beverages, goody bags, beat the pro, and all the fun that has made the Beaver such a great event! The Beaver Invitational Pre Reception and Networking Night will be held on Friday, November 9th from 6:30 pm to 9:00 PM with the Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament and Awards Dinner occurring on Saturday, November 10th. Thank you for taking time to support this great annual fund raising event !

September 2012

TCCC News

9th Annual Maple Leaf Bowling Tournament

The TCCCs annual Maple Leaf Bowling Tournament is always a great company team building event and a fun filled evening for all participants. Held at the Major Cineplexs Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl at Siam Paragon, this years event attracted a total of 16 teams or 64 players. Companies and organizations fielding teams included: Embassy of Canada 4 teams Bangkok Hospital - 2 teams Maximus 2 teams Flying Farangs 2 teams Sante Fe Relocation 1 team Thai VP 1 team LEVCO/ Top Hat 1 team Deloitte 1 team BlackBerry/RIM 1 team Thanachart/Scotia Banks 1 team

In total, nine trophies, six Lucky Draw Prizes and eleven Raffle Prizes were given out during the event with the Flying Farangs being recognized for the strongest team spirit at the 2012 event. The tournaments Team and Individual awards by category were as follows: Category 1.) Team Highest Score 2.) Team 2nd Highest Score 3.) Team 2nd Lowest Score 4.) Mens Highest Score 5.) Mens 2nd Highest Score 6.) Mens 2nd Lowest Score 7.) Womens Highest Score 9.) Womens 2nd Lowest Score Photo Gallery Captions: 1. Bangkok Hospital Teams 2. Embassy of Canada Pings Team 3. Team Thai VP (BizCar) 4. Flying Farangs -Teams 1 & 2 5. Maximus A Team 6. Maximus B Team 7. Team Deloitte 8. Embassy of Canada Tonys Team 9. LEVCOs designated Team TopHat 10. Drinking Team 11. Bank of Nova Scotia Power Puff Girls & 2 Dudes 12. Team BlackBerry 13. Embassy of Canada CanChicks Team 14. Team Sante Fe 15. Khun Aomy selling raffle tickets Winners Bangkok Hospital Team MAX 1 - Maximus Aviation MAX 2 - Maximus Aviation Khun John Schachnovsky Khun Wonlop Khun Fredo Khun Wendy Bazelt Khun Suthida Sakuldao

8,) Womens 2nd Highest Score Khun Phanwadee Katudom

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This years event was made possible with the gracious support of our Gold Sponsors, and prize donors:

Gold Sponsors:

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Prize Donors:
Amari Atrium, Anatara, Bangkok - Riverside Resort & Spa Bunrungrad Intl Hopsital Genesis Skin Klinic Foodland Raja Fashions Rajawongse Clothier Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit TCCC

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Please make sure that you recognize the above companies with your future business. Again, we thank all of the TCCCs members and friends for their support of our 9th Annual Maple Leaf Bowling Tournament and we look forward to sharing this fun filled evening with you again in 2013.

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16. Best Team Spirit - Flying Farangs 17. Winners of the Highest Team Score Bangkok Hospitals - A Team 18. Winners of the Second Lowest Team Score Maximus B Team (Note please crop Randy (far right side) out of the this photo) 19. Winners of the Second Highest Team Score Maximus - A Team (Note please crop Randy (far right side) out of the this photo) 20. The tournaments MC, Khun Art Chanovat, presenting the Womens Highest Score trophy to Wendy Bazelt 21. Winner of the Mens Highest Score John Schachnovsky

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TCCC News

TCCCs Market Investment Study Trip to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Given all of the excitement and interest that continues to build around the opening up of Myanmar, the TCCC elected to launch its first study mission to the Golden Land during September 2 to 5, 2012.

his mission was designed to familiarize a select group of TCCC members and Canadian companies with Myanmars dynamic marketplace, to develop working relationships, gain insights into the markets needs, challenges, and evolving regulatory environment, as well as to understand the risks and opportunities in expanding forward bilateral trade between Myanmar and Canada. The study team consisted of 30 participating companies and individuals focusing on the financial and professional services, energy, telecommunications and tourism sectors and included Canadian companies such as The Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Canpotex, Distacom, Manulife Financial, Optelian International, Siva & Associates, Sky Wave Mobile, as well as, Canadas Export Development Bank and the Asia-Pacific Foundation to name a few. In an effort to maximize the study teams information takeaways, we traveled to the new capital city of Nay Pyi Taw on our first day to be in place for Ministry meetings on the following morning and to join-up for an evening reception with The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway who was in country on a separate four country mission to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Burma. On Monday, September 3rd, the TCCC Market Study team attended a full day of scheduled meetings with the Ministry of National Planning and Economic Development, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Energy and the Central Bank of Myanmar to receive briefings on the Myanmars growth plans and opportunities. We were greatly honoured by each Ministrys warm welcome, the time allocated to our study group and their willingness to engage in open and frank discussions about the future direction of the country. We then returned to Yangon on the morning of Tuesday, September 4th to kick-off a day and half lecture series with numerous market experts. Featured speakers included: Mr. U Win Aung, President of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI) who provided the welcoming presentation.

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Travel team group photo at the Central Bank Members of the Central Banks operating committee Minister Ed Fast addressing the TCCC study team in Nay Pyi Taw Yangon Speaker Daw Khine Khine Nwe, Joint Secretary General UMFCCI and Secretary General of the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association Study team meeting with members of the Central Bank of Myanmars operating committee Derek van Pelt thanking Mr. Mark Tippetts of Serge Pun & Associates (Myanmar) Ltd. for supporting the Yangon speaker session. Derek van Pelt, TCCC VP presenting speaker gift to U Win Aung, President-UMFCCI. Derek van Pelt presenting a speaker gift to Mr. Yuen Pau Woo, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Peter van Haren, TCCC President presenting a gift to Naw Mutakapaw, Deputy Director Ministry of Commerce, Directorate of Trade Continued on page 10 September 2012

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Daw Khine Khine Nwe, Joint Secretary General of the UMFCCI and Secretary General of the Garment Manufacturers Association, presenting on Myanmar Business Opportunities and Labor Rights. The Myanmar Centre of Baker & McKenzie Bangkok Office addressing legal issues associated with foreign investment in Myanmar. Featured presenters included Dr. Saw Yu Win and Khun Pornapa Thaicharoen Mr. Yuen Pau Woo, President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and a thought leader on contemporary Asian affairs and trans-Pacific relations providing trip observations. Mr. Mark Tippetts, Serge Pun & Associates (Myanmar) Limited, presenting on the market and the SPA Myanmars success story. Khun Soontornpol Veerapravati, Managing Director, Siam Cement Myanmar Trading Co. Ltd. (SCMT) providing a private sector overview of Myanmars business environment. Mr. James Finch, Partner in the Myanmar law firm of DFDL presenting on the legal challenges of investing and operating in Myanmar And, a concluding round table discussion with the Myanmar Engineering Society.

One of the most frequently heard questions about Myanmar is Are we ate in capitalizing on opportunities offered by Asias last great frontier? Based on the Chambers visit, its clear that the Power and Oil & Gas Sectors have received the greatest attention to date, but all other sectors represent a significant untapped opportunity. The market place is certainly becoming more rationale, the new Myanmar Foreign Investment Law and other key pieces of legislation are also working their way towards approval and should offer improved guidance for potential investors. However, to achieve success in Myanmar now is the time to start identifying and building business relationship and to broaden you understanding of the countrys operating environment, people and culture. The TCCC wishes to thank the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI), supporting Myanmar Ministries, Embassy of Canada, Grand Lotus Travel & Tours Co., Ltd. and the Yangon private sector speakers for their support in helping to ensure a quality outcome for this market study trip. With the assistance of the aforementioned parties, we all walked away with a much deeper and richer understanding of the Myanmar market and its people.

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(L-R) Derek van Pelt - TCCC VP, Khun Pornapa Thaicharoen & Dr. Saw Yu Win of the Myanmar Centre of Baker & McKenzie -Bangkok Office and Peter van Haren, TCCC President. (L-R) TCCC Board member Peter van Haren, Ron Livingston and Derek van Pelts presenting Canadian Maple Syrup to Khun Soontornpol Veerapravati, Managing Director - Siam Cement Myanmar Trading Co. Ltd. (SCMT) Ron Livingston, Derek van Pelt and Peter van Haren thanking James Finch for an excellent presentation on the legal challenges of investing and operating a business in Myanmar. Nay Pyi Taw group photo with Minister Fast, Embassy of Canada staff and TCCC market study team New Myanmar Capital in Nay Phi Taw Country side outside of Yangon 20 lane highway leading to Myanmars new capital building

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Embassy News

Open Letter on Doing Business in Burma

August 31, 2012 - Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird and the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today issued the following open letter: On July 12, 2012, Canada announced its intention to open an embassy in Burma. This followed Canadas announcement in April of this year that it had suspended most of its sanctions against that country. These actions were both in response to a number of positive changes that have occurred in Burma recently. Canada is genuinely encouraged by the changes Burmese authorities have undertaken and will continue to support and monitor developments closely. This involves going into business dealings with eyes wide open to Burmas history. As we were reminded during discussions with Aung San Suu Kyi, it is important that international investors be careful with whom they conduct business. Canadian companies should be vigilant in ensuring they deal only with reputable people who have acted and will continue to act with integrity. The recent changes the Government of Canada has made to Canadas sanctions create new opportunities for Canadians to engage in Burma, contributing to prosperity and economic development in both countries. That said, it remains the responsibility of individual companies to ensure their activities are within legal parameters and beyond reproach with respect to integrity. Canadians and Canadian companies are urged to remain vigilant and ensure that they engage with individuals and companies of the highest ethical standard. Canadian companies considering doing business in Burma should familiarize themselves with the local context. A list of companies and individuals with whom it is prohibited to engage in specific transactions remains in place, as per the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations. Canada continues to have serious concerns about governance in Burma, including on issues such as forced labour and the rule of law. Canadian companies should be familiar with the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act. Canadian companies should also be aware that the political and human rights situation in Burma, while improving, remains unpredictable, and Canadian policy may change rapidly in response to unexpected events. For further information, media representatives may contact: Rudy Husny Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Ed Fast Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway 613-992-7332 Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 613-995-1874 Follow us on Twitter: @DFAIT_MAECI Trade Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 613-996-2000 Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

Minister Fast Announces Permanent Canadian Trade Presence in Burma

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, today announced that Canada will have a full-time trade commissioner at Canadas soon-to-be-open embassy in Burma. The announcement was made during Minister Fasts trade mission to Burma and three other countries in Southeast Asia. A deeper Canada-Burma trade relationship will benefit Canadians through the jobs, prosperity and greater selection of reasonably priced goods and services that come from increased trade, said Minister Fast. In turn, our Burmese partners will benefit from the goods, services, expertise and improved standard of living that will come from increased activity in Burma by Canadian businesses. On July 12, 2012, Canada announced its intention to open an embassy in Burma. This followed Canadas announcement in April that it had suspended most of its sanctions against the country. These actions were both in response to a number of positive changes that have occurred in Burma over the last 18 months. Establishing a Canadian Trade Commissioner Service presence at our embassy in Burma ensures that Canadian businesses will have a dedicated service on the ground to help identify new business opportunities, assess risks and ensure that local partners in the Burmese market are individuals and companies of the highest ethical standard, said Minister Fast. This move signals that Canada stands ready to play a significant role in helping the people of Burma secure a freer and more prosperous future. Located in more than 150 cities worldwide and in regional offices across Canada, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is Canadas most extensive network of international business professionals. The TCS helps companies that are looking to export, invest abroad, attract investment or develop innovation and R & D partnerships. Since 2006, the Harper government has opened 15 new trade offices in fast-growing markets such as Brazil, India and China, recognizing the growing importance of emerging markets and ensuring Canadian companies can take advantage of exciting business opportunities. For further information, media representatives may contact: Adam Taylor, Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Ed Fast Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway 613-992-7332 Rudy Husny, Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Ed Fast Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway 613-992-7332 rudy.husny@international.gc.ca Trade Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada 613-996-2000 Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

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Minister Interview

The Honorable Ed Fast Talks With the TCCC

Q & A with the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
Edward "Ed" Fast is the Canadian Minister of International Trade and Minister for the AsiaPacific Gateway. He recently made a four-nation trade visit in the Asia Pacific region from August 27 to September 3, 2012, with visits to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Burma. In Cambodia, Minister Fast co-chaired the first Canada-ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting and the mission then headed to Burma, marking the first visit by a Canadian trade minister to that emerging economy in our country's history. Minister Fast's visit to Burma will help open the door for Canadian trade and investment, and his influence was evidenced by the trip made by members of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce during the time he was in country. After PM Harpers recent visit to Thailand, has there been any movement towards, or date set, for signing a free trade agreement between Thailand and Canada? We have a robust bilateral trade with Thailand, and it is our largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, a priority region of our government, and we are continuing high-level meetings to facilitate better trade arrangements on both sides, but we do not have an exact date as to when an FTA will be concluded. Please tell us a little about Thai investment in Canada. As you know, PTTEP invested close to CAN$2.3 billion in a development project in Canadas oilsands. This was a huge commitment and they are happy with it so they are talking about investing in another project in Canada. Thai companies should know that Canada welcomes foreign investment that contributes to its economic growth, jobs, innovation, competitiveness and long-term prosperity. Between 2001 and 2010, Canada was the worlds eighth-largest destination for inbound foreign direct investment. Canadas strong economic fundamentals and world-leading competitive advantages make it an investment destination of choice for global investors. Would you bring us up to speed on the evolving relationship between Myanmar and Canada? Canadians have long supported the struggle for democracy and freedom in Burma. Our government is committed to helping Burma on this path of reform and modernizationincluding its economic development. We continue to be encouraged by the changes taking place in the country. Just as Canada recently moved to broaden the relationship with Burma by announcing that we will open an embassy and establishing a permanent Canadian Trade Commissioner Service presence, our government also believes that through cautious Canadian investment, Canada can help anchor and reforms while Please tell us about the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI). Our efforts to deepen Canadas trade and investment ties in the fast-growing Asia-Pacific region are also being facilitated by our strategic investments and partnerships in building the Asia-Pacific Gateway. These investments are positioning Canada as the Gateway of choice between Asia and North America. In fact, Canadas west coast ports are in many cases more than two days closer to Asian markets than are any others in North America. Since 2006, our government has invested $1.4 billion into the Asia-Pacific Gateway infrastructure projects, an amount that has been leveraged to almost $4 billion with the participation of provincial and municipal governments and the private sector. A total of almost 50 projects have been supported, creating jobs and economic growth in local communities, while easing the movement of goods, services and people to and from the fast-growing AsiaPacific economies. As a result of these strategic investments and partnerships, Canadian exports to the Asia-Pacific region have reached record levels. For example, in 2011 alone Canadian exports to China increased an impressive 27%. These investments are also generating new business opportunities, improving the flow of traffic, enhancing the efficiency of the transportation system, attracting investments, and contributing to Canadas global competitiveness. What about our trade with Vietnam? We want to help drive prosperity in Vietnam; theres a lot more that we can do there as we are only scratching the surface when it comes to trade between the two countries. (Note: Bilateral merchandise trade with Vietnam has increased steadily over the past decade, and is now more than four times greater than it was in 2000. Canada-Vietnam bilateral trade reached an all-time high of nearly $1.6 billion in 2011. Merchandise imports from Vietnam were valued at $1.3 billion, while exports were worth nearly $300 million. Statistics Canada reports that the stock of Canadian direct investment in Vietnam was $89 million at the end of 2010. Canadian companies have found opportunities in Vietnam in a variety of sectors including: Agriculture and Agri-Food, Education and Training, Forest Industries, Oil & Gas as well as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). And India any progress towards a free trade agreement there? We have just finished our fifth round of highlevel talks with India on a trade agreement, but again Im reticent to commit to any specific timeframe. (Note: A Canada-India joint study concluded that a trade agreement between the two countries could boost Canadas economy by at least $6 billion. That translates to almost 40,000 new jobs across the country or a $500 boost to the average Canadian familys annual income. A trade agreement with India would eliminate or reduce tariffs on Canadian goods,

positioning Canadian companies for future opportunities. On April 24, 2012, Canada announced significant changes to its sanctions on Burma. Prohibitions on trade, investment and financial services have been eased. The changes to Canadas sanctions create new opportunities for Canadians to engage in Burma, contributing to prosperity and economic development in both countries. This move signals that Canada stands ready to play a significant role in helping the people of Burma secure a freer and more prosperous future. This visit is also further proof of Canadas commitment to deepening our trade and investment ties throughout the Asia-Pacific region. How Can Canada help Burma? Well, one example is that we are a world leader in mining technology; our know-how and best practices can help develop the wealth of natural resources it has. And Canadian companies practice social responsibility, they give back to the countries they operate in, so they set a good example for others to follow. This example also applies to other sector where Canada is a world leader like clean technologies, infrastructure and transportation. What did you think of the Canadian products on display at the gourmet supermarket at Siam Paragon? Im always thrilled to see Canadian food products available throughout the world. At this supermarket I was delighted to see BC blueberries from Abbotsford, my hometown, as well as BC cherries, jam from Parry Sound and maple syrup from Waterloo, Ontario. People value Canadian products because of their high quality. When we talk about Canadian branding, what products and services represent the best that Canada has to offer? We are world leaders in clean technology, health services, agriculture, information technology, infrastructure and transportation projects and we have a highly educated and skilled work force.

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Minister Interview
liberalize trade in services, and directly benefit Canadian workers and businesses in all regions of Canada in sectors such as primary agriculture, resource-related and chemical products, transport equipment, machinery and equipment, and services.) Please tell us about the recent Canada-China Economic Complementarities Study. (Background: On August 15, 2012, the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Chinas Minister of Commerce Chen Deming, announced the release of the Canada-China Economic Complementarities Study. The Economic Complementarities Study highlights the strong momentum and expansion in Canada-China trade and economic relations. It identifies a number of important complementarities and prospects for growth, at the same time pointing to the need to address certain challenges to best take advantage of these complementarities.) The study highlights the strong growth in Canada-China trade and investment, and focuses on seven sectors that comprise 85% of Canadas goods exports to China and a large share of services and investment (those sectors are: Agriculture and agri-food, including fish and seafood;, Clean technology and environmental goods and services; Machinery and equipment; Natural resources and derived products; Services; Textiles and related products; & Transportation infrastructure and aerospace.) It concludes that Canada and China should continue to strengthen our bilateral economic ties through appropriate bilateral instruments to help Canadian and Chinese citizens build a prosperous and sustainable future. The study is an important basis for expanding the Canada-China economic relationship. Increasing access for Canadian workers and businesses and deepening our countrys economic ties in fast-growing markets like China are key parts of our governments pro-trade plan for jobs, growth and long-term prosperity, said Minister Fast. (NOTE: China is now Canadas second largest single-nation trading partner, and our most important market in Asia, with two-way merchandise trade reaching almost $65 billion in 2011. Canadian exports to China rose by 27% over 2010 while Canadian imports from China grew by 8%. Moreover, China now ranks as Canadas third-largest merchandise export market, after the United States and the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, Canadian merchandise exports to China have increased by 77%, a rate more than 50% greater than to each of our other top four trading partners. China offers many untapped opportunities for Canadian businesses. With a population of 1.3 billion and a rapidly expanding middle class, China is one the largest and fastest growing markets in the world and is expected to become the worlds largest economy over the next decades. China is identified as a priority market under the Government of Canadas Global Commerce Strategy, and advancing our bilateral trade and investment interests with China is the key to the future prosperity of Canadians. The value and breadth of Canadas trade and economic relationship with China already exceeds those with most other priority markets, including the other fast-growing BRIC economies combined: Brazil, Russia and India.) Please tell us the outcome of Minister Fast co-chairing the first Canada-ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting. Over the past three and a half decades, we have witnessed the ASEANCanada relationship expand and deepen. Canada is one of ASEANs longest-standing Dialogue Partners. Strengthening commercial ties with ASEANs fast-growing economies is part of the Government of Canadas pro-trade plan to create jobs, growth, and long-term prosperity. Significant progress has recently been made that will help the ASEAN-Canada relationship reach its full potential. Over the past three years: We have created dedicated commercial positions for ASEAN at our missions around ASEAN to help identify business opportunities. Canada and ASEAN have adopted our very first commercial instrument the Joint Statement on Trade and Investment -- a huge step forward in our bilateral commercial relationship. At the Economic Ministers Meeting, a new Canada-ASEAN workplan was adopted charting the course for expanded commercial ties. The newly established Canada-ASEAN Business Council will be a key player in ensuring that Canada is well positioned to tap into this growing market. These achievements are in addition to the many other areas in which we are cooperating, including on development assistance and human rights.

Now that you have been to Burma, please tell us your thoughts on what is going on there. Were you impressed that real change is taking place? While progress has been made, the market situation in Burma is still fluid and subject to government policy and regulatory changes. In my meetings with the Burmese ministers - I met with five ministers and then the president, as well as with with Aung San Suu Kyi I found that they are undertaking comprehensive economic reforms here. However, many of those reforms have not been concluded. Thats why we strongly encourage Canadian companies to exercise great caution and ensure that if they enter this market, that they have trusted partners that show the highest level of integrity. At the same time, we do believe that Canadian companies can play a positive role in improving the lives of Burmese people through things such as trade and investment, transfers of technology, transfers of Canadian knowhow. We have a lot to offer this region and weve certainly indicated to the Burmese government that we want to do whatever we can to partners with them to improve the standard of living in their country and of course also help them improve their democratic processes and the protection of basic human rights. Postscript: To put in perspective what the Harper government has accomplished, in less than six years, it has concluded free trade agreements with nine countries: Colombia, Honduras, Jordan, Panama, Peru and the European Free Trade Association member states of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Canada has also begun deepening trade and investment ties with the largest, most dynamic and fastest-growing markets in the world, including Brazil, China, the European Union and Japan.

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