Minister Hansen, within his portfolio of Economic Development, is also responsible for the Asia/Pacific Initiative and the 2010 Winter Olympics. Minister Hansen outlined the challenges and opportunities BC faced with the potential for trade around the pacific rim. He underscored this opportunity by pointing out the importance of the Port of Prince Rupert and how POPR could be a major artery for goods flowing from North America to Asia. With BC Rail and CN Rail now as one, this completes a system that connects all of Canada and much of continental US to the Port of Prince Rupert, easily the closest North American port to Asia.