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"Ohio Governor Visits Canada to Promote Trade, Tourism"
"COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Gov. Bob Taft is in Toronto today and tomorrow to explore ways to strengthen Buckeye State ties with Canada, particularly in the areas of foreign direct investment and tourism. "International trade is critical to Ohio's economic success, and Canada is a very important trade partner," Taft said. "My visit to Toronto will build on our existing relationship and provides a valuable opportunity to promote Ohio for business and travel."During his trip, planned by the Ohio Department of Development, Taft will meet with several Canadian businesses with Ohio ties, including Polyair Inter Pack Inc., parent of Cantar/Polyair of Youngstown, and Magna International Inc., parent of Intier Automotive, Lordstown. Taft also will give a keynote speech to the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada and host a Discover Ohio Travel Reception this evening to promote Ohio as a tourist destination. The governor also plans to meet with Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty to discuss a number of cross-border and regional issues, including economic development and the environment.Canada is Ohio's largest export market and Ohio typically maintains a trade surplus with that nation, Taft said. In 2004, $15.5 billion of Ohio's $31.2 billion in exports were destined for Canada, while Ohio imported $13.9 billion in goods from its northern neighbor. Canada is Ohio's third largest source of foreign direct investment with 120 Canadian establishments. Those establishments employ more than 11,400 Ohioans. The Ohio Department of Development promotes business relations with Canada through its International Trade Office located in Toronto."