March 29, 2024

Far East connection for Canadian exports

B.C. and other Canadian exports are riding first-class straight to China through a new cargo service that’s expected to boost the province’s seafood and fruit export market.

China Southern Airlines launched in July Canada’s first dedicated all-cargo service from Vancouver to mainland China. The service has been transporting B.C. seafood, other Canadian goods and heavy equipment four times a week to Shanghai, the biggest seafood market in Asia.

The airline is using Boeing 777-200F aircraft with a capacity of 110 tonnes on each flight.

“Growing our trade and investment ties with China is a key priority because (it) will benefit Canadian businesses, workers and their families,” said International Trade Minister Ed Fast.

“China is now the world’s second-largest economy after the United States … (and) Canada’s second-largest merchandise-trading partner.”

The service is part of Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway initiative, which aims to bolster trade with China, South Korea and emerging Asian markets.

Fast added the cargo service will help transport high-value and perishable goods such as B.C. strawberries and blueberries to  Asian markets.

B.C. exported $ 80 million of seafood to China and $ 313 million of seafood exports to Asia in 2010. Crabs, geoduck, hake and herring were the top exports.

Fast said he will be travelling to China in the fall to work on expanding trade relations with the biggest Asian market.

Premier Christy Clark is also due for a trade mission to China and India in November.

Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver

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