Montréal, September 23, 2016 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes the announcement of a new direct flight between Montréal and Shanghai, which Air Canada will begin operating in February 2017. Given that China is Canada’s second leading trade partner, this is a strategic flight for the business community and is in addition to the direct flight between Montréal and Beijing, which was inaugurated in September 2015.
“This new direct flight to Asia – the first daily one – is an incredible development for the city’s business people,” said Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “Businesses that have already started to break into the Chinese market and other Asian countries will be the first beneficiaries. The Board of Trade congratulates Air Canada for its leadership and commitment to increasing the number of direct flights from Montréal.”
“The new Boeing 787 strengthens Montréal-Trudeau Airport’s strategic position as a hub to remote destinations and paves the way for new opportunities for airlines,” Michel Leblanc said. “It’s an undeniable asset for the business community, and its members will soon be able to travel on this flight.”
“Businesses will have a direct flight to Shanghai as an alternative for getting to China and taking advantage of the many business opportunities related to the country’s newfound prosperity and urbanization,” Mr. Leblanc said. “We can expect trade relations to grow if Chinese and Canadian authorities begin negotiations for a free trade agreement, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested.”
“The Board of Trade intends to increase efforts to encourage the business community to develop trade relations with Asia and use this new flight regularly,” Mr. Leblanc said. “Last year, the Board of Trade was in part behind the success of a trade mission to China led by Mayor Denis Coderre. We plan to hold more trade missions to China and Asia in the coming months.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration, and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to businesses of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
– 30 –
Source:
Guillaume Bérubé
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4042
gberube@ccmm.qc.ca
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chambremontreal
Twitter: @chambremontreal
Follow the discussion: #ccmmqcca