B.C. and other Canadian exports are finding new markets for their products in Asia through the new China South Airlines (CSA) cargo service officially launched this week from YVR to Shanghai.
Since July, CSA has been moving B.C. seafood and heavy equipment from across Canada four times at week the first dedicated cargo service from Canada to mainland China. The city of Shanghai is the largest seafood market in China.
The new service will, over time, create the equivalent of about 40 full-time jobs in the airline industry and other indirect jobs in Canada's export industries.
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 local seafood exporters, who are reaching new customers through CSAs service.
The service is seen as a major boost to Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway's air corridor, providing a time sensitive route for Canadian goods that are in great demand in Asian markets.
Deepened and broadened trade and transportation ties between Canada and China will bring enormous benefits to Canadians," said 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.
Tony Gugliotta, Vancouver Airport Authoritys senior vice president of marketing and business development, stressed how vital freight movement is to YVRs success.
Cargo is an important component of YVR's activities, employing 3,300 people in more than 100 businesses (the new service) underscores the growth of YVR as a key international gateway for cargo on the West Coast of North America.
