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Minister Fast Addresses Representatives of Canadian Educational Institutions Participating in the China Education Expo

October 13, 2011
Beijing, China

The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, gives the keynote speech to representatives of Canadian educational institutions and associations participating in the China Education Expo in Beijing. Minister Fast affirmed the Government of Canada’s interest in promoting Canada as a preferred destination for Chinese students. 

Minister Fast also announced the formation of an expert advisory panel that will make recommendations to the government on how to develop and implement an international education strategy as part of the next phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

China is a significant and growing source of foreign students in Canada, contributing direct economic benefits to Canadian educational institutions and host communities. In 2010, over 61,000 Chinese nationals were studying in Canada, each of whom had an average economic impact of $30,880 on Canada’s economy for a total of almost $1.9 billion. Twenty-eight percent of all foreign students in Canada are from China (including Hong Kong and Macau), which makes Chinese students the largest national group. The number of Chinese students choosing Canada as a study destination increased significantly from 2007 to 2010.

Please consult the visit web page and Minister Fast's photo gallery.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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