On the historic occasion of the SAR Establishment Day, Canada celebrates 130 years of history as a nation. From this day onwards, Canada and Hong Kong will share a birthday, thus forging yet another link in our ever-expanding ties. It is, therefore, only fitting that I take this opportunity to pay tribute to these ties that bind our two peoples.
Canada and Hong Kong have established long and abiding human and commercial connections that date back well over a century. Early in its history, Canada welcomed thousands of young Chinese from the Pearl River Delta Development who came to help in the building of our nation's infrastructure. Many chose to stay on and make their homes in Canada, just as their successors continue to arrive in considerable numbers in Canada today.
Chinese-Canadians now make up one of the fastest-growing communities in Canada. Numbering over 600,000, they have significantly shaped the face of Canada as we know it. At the same time, about 150,000 Canadians, three-quarters of whom have Hong Kong origins, have come here to settle.
Education serves as another cornerstone in the Canada-Hong Kong relationship. There are large numbers of Hong Kong students in Canada, while Hong Kong alumni of Canadian schools and universities exceed 100,000.
In April last year, the Canadian Education Centre was set up in Hong Kong through a Canadian Government-sponsored initiative. Its mandate is to assist students in applying for overseas studies in Canada and offers free counselling and information services to Hong Kong students and their families.
Hong Kong-Canada trade is substantial and growing. Over 150 Canadian companies have established operations here and another 450 are represented by distributors, agents or joint venture partners.
