The following is a 12 November 2010 news release by Transport Canada.

The Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, concluded a visit to Vietnam where he promoted the Asia-Pacific Gateway to an emerging Asian economy with growing trade ties to North American markets. He was joined by a Canadian business delegation including representatives from Canada’s major marine ports and terminals, railways and national logistics associations.

“Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway is a globally competitive option for international trade to and from North America,” said Minister Day. “That’s been our message here in Vietnam, and I am pleased that it’s been well received, especially when it comes to the advantages of Canada’s strong and competitive supply chain.”

While in Vietnam, Minister Day met with senior Vietnamese officials, such as the Minister of Investment and Planning, and the Minister of Home Affairs. During these meetings, Minister Day spoke of the efficiency, reliability and security of Canada’s Pacific Gateway and Canada’s strong financial standing on the international scene.

During roundtable meetings and reception events with local shippers and freight forwarders in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Minister Day stressed the potential for further improvements to trade ties between our two countries through Canada’s Pacific Gateway — the shortest and most cost-effective route between Asia and North America.

Minister Day also took the opportunity to tour two of the busiest and most modern Vietnamese ports while in Ho Chi Minh City. The opening of the Cai Mep Deep Sea Port signals a new era of transportation logistics for this growing economy, and the Cat-Lai Port provides direct service to Ho Chi Minh City’s rapidly expanding manufacturing sector.