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Because trade continues to increase between China and North America, Canadian National Railway Co. has opened offices in Shanghai and Beijing to try to capitalize on growing business opportunities.

The Class I named Paul Tonsager managing director-Asia and chief representative-China to head the Shanghai office, and oversee the Beijing operation and another company representative in Hong Kong. He most recently served as project director, truck diversion marketing and sales.

Tonsager previously served CN as director of international business development. In 1996, he began his railroad career with the Illinois Central Railroad — which was acquired by CN — as a national account manager.

"China's growing economy is fuelling strong demand for natural resources and commodities, many of which are located on CN's network," said James Foote, CN executive vice president of sales and marketing, in a prepared statement. "We are intent on identifying profitable opportunities for transporting bulk and merchandise commodities destined for China, and handling two-way trade in products transported in containers."

China's emergence as a global trading force presents opportunities for Canadian ports served by CN, said Tonsager.

"We have a significant presence in Vancouver, and we believe the Port of Prince Rupert has great potential to become an important gateway for shipments coming from, and destined for, China because of its sailing time advantage between Asia and North America," he said.