Premier Dexter Wraps Up Successful China Mission

Premier Darrell Dexter and Nova Scotia business and post-secondary leaders have wrapped up a successful economic development mission to China.

Premier Dexter led premiers and delegates from across the country as this year's chair of the Council of the Federation.

"This mission was a great opportunity to advance Nova Scotia's relationship with key Chinese government and business leaders," said Premier Dexter. "Our focus was to promote our province's unique offerings in education, training, transportation, the Atlantic gateway and research and innovation to these growing Chinese markets."

While in Hong Kong this week, the premiers met with John Tsang, Financial Secretary of Hong Kong. The meeting focused on opportunities for trade and investment in Hong Kong, which has deep and long-standing connections with Canadian provinces and territories in key areas like commerce, culture and education.

The premiers also met with senior representatives of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx), rang the opening bell at HKEx, and participated in an event with senior business leaders organized by the Hang Seng Bank.

"The mission was successful in demonstrating to China's business and political leaders that Canada's provinces and territories value their collective and unique relationships with China," said Premier Dexter. "Increased trade with China means more jobs for Canada. The mission has already accomplished results for each of our provinces and territories, and I am confident it will yield many benefits for businesses back home in Canada well into the future."

The premiers participated in a ceremony at the Sai Wan War Cemetery, a military cemetery located in Chai Wan, Hong Kong where 282 Canadian graves are located. They also visited the Sai Wan Memorial Wall, which bears the names of the Canadians who died in defence of Hong Kong, but who have no known graves.

This is the second mission to China that the Council of the Federation has organized. In 2008, a delegation of premiers and business leaders traveled to Beijing, Chongqing, and Shanghai.

The Council of the Federation includes all 13 provincial and territorial premiers. It enables premiers to work collaboratively to strengthen the Canadian federation by fostering a constructive relationship among the provinces and territories and with the federal government.