British Columbia prepares for the 1st Southeast Asia Canada Trade Fair and Business Forum--"Gateway 2005", to be held at the Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond from April 27-30, 2005.

The activities begin on April 27 with the arrival of delegates from the Southeast Asia countries. The opening Ceremony and Reception on April 28 at 10:00 AM will follow breakfast which starts at 8:00. The ASEAN workshop will be held immediately after lunch and will features top ranking Southeast Asia Trade Officials and Representatives who will highlight the investment and trade opportunities in their respective country.

The gala night at 6:00 PM will be held at the Sea Island Ballroom of the hotel.

For Canadian businessmen and other parties who are interested to do business in the Southeast Asia country or countries of their choice, on April 29, Industry Canada sponsors the "Export Cafe" which features one-on-one meeting with the ASEAN Trade Commissioners.

Cultural performances from the 10 Southeast Asia countries dubbed as ASEAN Night caps the activities at 6:00 PM on April 30 at the Continental Seafood House on No.3 Road and Cambie.

Invited to attend the 4-day event are Ambassadors and Consul Generals from the Southeast Asia countries, Mr. Tony Gugliotta, Senior VP and CFO of YVR, Mr. John Treleaven, President and CEO of STEP, Provincial Minister of Small Business, Mr. Jon Les, Federal Minister of Multiculturalism, Raymond Chan, and Provincial Minister of Multiculturalism, Patrick Wong.