SURREY, B.C. — A number of strategic infrastructure projects for the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative were recently announced as an investment aimed at contributing to Canada’s competitiveness in world of global commerce.

David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, announced the $491.7 million in funding for 10 projects.

“We’ve made tremendous progress on the initiative in the past year. With 10 projects set to get underway, we’re showing Canadian and international companies that we’re committed to establishing the Asia-Pacific Gateway as the link between North America and Asia,” said Emerson. “We’ve chosen projects that will benefit the communities and upgrade local infrastructure.”

The federal government has committed more than $1 billion to the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, with $800 million going to projects in British Columbia.

Of the 10 projects announced, six will be in B.C., in recognition of its strategic geographical location as the entry and exit point for trade traffic between Asia and North America.

Projects include road/rail separations and highway and intersection improvements. Four other projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba will also receive funding. Details on these projects will be announced at a later date.

“The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative is a national project that will provide economic benefits for all Canadians,” added Emerson. “Our hard work is being noticed by the international community and we need to continue with this momentum.”

The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative was launched in October 2006. Progress has already been made in construction, planning, project selection, port amalgamation, policy development, technology application, international cooperation and marketing.

“The world’s economic power is shifting to the Asia-Pacific and it is important we make significant investments in B.C.’s transportation infrastructure if we are to take full advantage of our geographical position as Canada’s Pacific Gateway,” said B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.

For more information about Canada’s Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, visit www.apgci.gc.ca.