Business Development Mission to China
August 22, 2005

A report to Council on Mayor Di Ianni's visit to China suggests there could be an opportunity to capitalize on China's "booming" growth at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport.

The recent delegation was led by the Mayor and included the city's Director of Economic Development, and two Port Authority representatives (the Chairman of the Board and the V.P. of Operations). They met with a number of companies and investors in Beijing and Shanghai, including COSCO Logistics. COSCO (China Ocean Shipping Company) is one of the largest shipping companies in China and is looking for a Canadian location.

The report says COSCO Logistics is taking an interest in Hamilton's 24/7 airport in light of the May 15th new Canada-China bilateral air services agreement, which is aimed at strengthening cargo/courier links and passenger service between the two countries.

Air Canada has just initiated a direct air cargo service between Shanghai and Toronto (Pearson). The full report can be viewed at http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
committee-of-the-whole/2005/Aug10/MAY05002%20Mission%20to%20China.pdf.