FTZ COALITION APPLAUDS GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR FOREIGN TRADE ZONES

VANCOUVER, March 23 /CNW/ - The Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Coalition applauds the Government of Canada's commitment in today's budget to examine Canada's foreign trade zone policies and programs.

"Canada is a trading nation. Enhancing our foreign trade zone policies and programs is critical to continue growing our economy," said Michael E. Moore, Chair of the FTZ Coalition and President and CEO of Global Container Terminals. "The federal government has shown tremendous leadership building Canada's gateways and augmenting our foreign trade zone policies and programs will ensure that Canada remains competitive internationally."

According to the business community, Canada's current foreign trade zone policies and programs are not sufficient in attracting foreign investment. International customers are not taking advantage of the programs and policies currently in place. The FTZ Coalition believes that enhancing our policies and programs will attract international customers and foreign investment to Canada.

The FTZ Coalition is a grouping of major transportation related corporations dedicated to enhancing Canada's foreign trade zone policies and programs. Members of the coalition include: Global Container Terminals, Canadian National (CN), Canadian Pacific (CP), Greater Toronto Airports Authority, Vancouver Airport Authority, Greater Vancouver Gateway Council, Prince Rupert Port Authority, CentrePort Canada, Port Metro Vancouver, Halifax International Airport, Aéroports de Montréal, Winnipeg Airports Authority and Halifax Port Authority.

Foreign trade zones are important drivers of international trade utilized by customers around the world. They are typically organized around major seaports, international airports and transportation nodes, and are proven to create employment opportunities.

For further information:

or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Lori Janson
Director, Corporate Communications
Global Container Terminals
[phone]