VANCOUVER — B.C. and other Canadian exports are finding new markets for their products in China through the new China Southern Airlines (CSA) cargo service from Vancouver International Airport to Shanghai. CSA chose Vancouver because of the great export potential through Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and already has steady business.

Since July 2011, CSA has been moving B.C. seafood and heavy equipment from across Canada four times a week. The new service will create the equivalent of about 40 full-time jobs in the airline industry and other indirect jobs in Canada’s export industries.

The Honourable Ed Fast, Canada’s Minister of International Trade and Minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and B.C.’s Minister of Agriculture Don McRae met with B.C. seafood exporters today who are reaching new customers through CSA at Vancouver International Airport.

This service is a major boost to Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway’s air corridor, providing a vital service for high-value and time-sensitive Canadian goods that are in great demand in Asian markets. The Asia-Pacific Gateway air corridor’s advantages are also increased by the elimination of B.C.‘s aviation fuel tax and the Government of Canada’s low tax policies. These are further examples of how federal and provincial governments are working together to attract jobs and economic growth that benefit B.C. and Canadian businesses, workers and their families.

Government and industry partners have committed $22 billion to expand and enhance port, rail, road and airport infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and that investment is paying off in attracting international businesses like CSA.

Quotes

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Gateway:

“Deepened and broadened trade and transportation ties between Canada and China will bring enormous benefits to Canadians,” said Minister Fast. “The efficient and effective flow of goods, services and people is a key goal of our government’s Asia-Pacific Gateway Initiative, and a new direct air cargo service between Vancouver and Shanghai will lead to new jobs, stronger economic growth and greater prosperity for Canadian businesses, workers and their families.”

B.C. Minister of Agriculture Don McRae

“B.C. is a major marketer of seafood, exporting $957 million worth in 2010. The province has worked hard to improve cargo service for seafood and other exports to Asia by building a business environment that creates opportunities and breeds success. The Pacific Gateway is creating jobs for British Columbians in our coastal communities, and throughout the seafood processing and distribution chain that leads to the world through YVR.”

Tony Gugliotta, senior vice-president, Marketing and Business Development, Vancouver Airport Authority

“Cargo is an important component of YVR’s activities, employing 3,300 people in more than 100 businesses. We congratulate China Southern Airlines for starting this new all-cargo service between YVR and Shanghai. It underscores the growth of YVR as a key international gateway for cargo on the West Coast of North America.”

CSA Executive

“This new service between Vancouver and Shanghai provides an important air bridge for Canadian business to further develop the fast-growing trade between Canada and China. Our wide-body B777F cargo planes will transport normal cargo and, for the first time in Canada, will have the capacity to carry out-size loads, such as generators, drilling equipment and aircraft engines to expand the variety of Canadian goods being exported to China.”

Quick Facts

CSA’s new service is the first dedicated cargo service from Canada to Mainland China. The city of Shanghai is the largest seafood market in China.
This new service is an important step towards meeting the Asia-Pacific Gateway cargo goal of 441,000 tonnes of air cargo (up from 228,000 tonnes in 2010) and an excellent opportunity to build on an already positive relationship with CSA, following on the success of the June 15 passenger event.
CSA is the world’s third-largest airline in terms of passengers carried, and Asia’s largest airline in terms of both fleet size and passengers carried.
A new CSA passenger service was celebrated at an event on June 15 at YVR.
CSA operates Canada’s only direct cargo service from Vancouver to Mainland China.
B.C. exported $80 million of seafood to China in 2010, an increase from $68 million in 2009. Total seafood exports to Asia exceeded $313 million in 2010.
Top seafood exports to China in 2010 were crabs, geoducks, hake and herring.
B.C. seafood is featured in more than two billion meals worldwide per year and exported to more than 60 countries.