For immediate release
February 7, 2001

TORONTO -- Mike Harris, Ontario's Premier, today said the participation of Ontario companies on next week's Team Canada trade mission to China will lead to more job creation in Ontario.

"By showcasing top-notch Ontario exporters -- their products, services and expertise -- we are confident that this mission will help increase the flow of Ontario exports to China and help create more jobs here at home," Harris said.

Harris met with the mission's Team Ontario participants at the Legislature today. Representatives of around 150 Ontario companies are on the team, including 12-year old Keith Peiris, President and CEO of London's Cyberteks Designs.

"We're competitive, we're succeeding and we're determined to do what it takes to stay on top -- no matter how much the global economy changes," Harris said.

Harris said that selling to a Chinese market of 1 billion people is a great opportunity for Ontario businesses to expand and create new jobs.

"The world's economy is constantly transforming itself, and we've got to be ready for that change. One of the most significant changes is the emergence of new markets in China."

Team Ontario includes representatives of high-tech, telecommunications, agricultural supply, food processing and business services companies, as well as colleges and universities.

"This mission to China gives us an opportunity to diversify our trading relationships beyond North America and to demonstrate Ontario's strengths in the high-tech 'new' economy," Harris said.

Exports support more than 1.6 million Ontario jobs. China is Ontario’s fourth largest export market.

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For more information:
Premier’s Media Office
(416) 325-7600

See Also:

• Background Information: Team Ontario 2001: An Overview

Issues:

• Attracting and Keeping Jobs