PAVILION TO PROMOTE CANADIAN EXCELLENCE DURING
THE BEIJING 2008 SUMMER GAMES
The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, today announced that the Government of Canada has committed $3 million to support the B.C.-Canada Pavilion (BCCP) in central Beijing to showcase Canadian business, culture and tourism before and during the Beijing 2008 Summer Games.
“China is one of the world’s fastest growing markets and host to the XXIX Olympiad,” said Minister Emerson. “The B.C.-Canada Pavilion will be a tremendous opportunity to promote Canadian excellence and culture to China and the world, and to bring together decision makers and experts from strategic sectors of the Canadian and Chinese economies. This will strengthen partnerships and enhance investment and trade opportunities in Asia.”
China is already a key market for Canada. Two-way merchandise trade has increased 148 percent over the past five years, from $17 billion in 2001 to a record $42 billion in 2006. Two-way direct investment is at an estimated $2.9 billion. The BCCP will highlight Canada’s capabilities and opportunities for investment and trade, and enhance Canada’s presence in the highly competitive Chinese market.
The BCCP will operate from May 1 to September 18, 2008, in the heart of Beijing. It is the result of a close partnership between the Government of British Columbia, the Government of Canada and the private sector. All three partners are contributing funding and will be involved in the Pavilion’s programming. Funding from the Government of Canada is subject to a contribution agreement being finalized with the province.
Part of the facility will be open to the public and enable visitors to experience Canada’s natural beauty, excellence and culture through a series of dynamic and interactive exhibitions. The BCCP will also host strategic business and trade events on Canadian education, investment opportunities, the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative, tourism, Aboriginal arts and culture, high technology and agriculture. These events will promote Canadian products, expertise and investment opportunities to China’s business, political and social decision makers, and facilitate networking between Canadians and their Chinese counterparts.
“With the close of the Beijing Games, the spotlight will shift to Canada and British Columbia as hosts of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games,” said the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism. “Our presence in Beijing will provide a lasting and positive impression to the world of Canada as a great place to visit and do business.”
