VANCOUVER - Canada's Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway Ed Fast kicked off an official visit to China on Friday to help strengthen trade and investment ties between the two countries.

Addressing a meeting with key area business leaders in Vancouver before leaving for China, the minister said: "As members of Vancouver's business, academic and cultural communities, you know as well as I do that closer Canada-China ties will benefit both our countries."

He said he will meet with Chinese government ministers, showcase Canada's strengths and capabilities, and meet with and assist Canadian businesses seeking out new economic opportunities in this priority market during his one-week China tour.

"With one in five Canadian jobs linked to trade, our government 's focus is to create jobs and increase prosperity for hard- working Canadians," said Fast. "Deepening Canada-China economic ties is key to protecting and strengthening Canadians' financial security."

While in China, Fast will visit the cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing and Qingdao, promoting Canadian capabilities in target sectors such as aerospace, financial and engineering services, high-value-added manufacturing, agri-food, lumber and energy.

"Prime Minister (Stephen) Harper has made it clear and I want to make it clear: Canada is committed to a closer partnership with China. That's why I carry the second title of Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway," he said.

"Not only is China one of the fastest growing economies in the world, it's now Canada's second-largest trading partner. We've seen a tripling of our exports to China over the last ten years. It is no wonder that a Leger Marketing survey done for the Bank of Montreal earlier this year showed that 57 percent of Canadian businesses are looking to expand into China over the next five years," the minister added.

Some leading Canadian companies are accompanying the minister on his visit to China, including Bombardier Aerospace, Cascade Aerospace, Cameco and Babcock & Wilcox Canada.

Fast will also meet with several Canadian companies based in China, such as Magna, Celestica, EXFO and SNC-Lavalin, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises looking to expand in China.

China, one of the world's fastest-growing major economies, is now Canada's second-largest individual merchandise trading partner. Canadian merchandise exports to China more than tripled between 2001 and 2010.