May 22, 2008
No. 124
BEIJING – British Columbia and Canada's business, tourism, culture and industries will be showcased to hundreds of thousands of visitors at the British Columbia Canada Pavilion in Beijing, announced the Honourable Gordon Campbell, Premier of British Columbia, and the Honourable David Emerson, Canada's Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, at today's grand opening.
"With the British Columbia Canada Pavilion, we've opened our doors to the world and are inviting them to experience all British Columbia has to offer," said Premier Campbell. "This Pavilion will give thousands of people from around the globe the opportunity to learn about the people, opportunities and innovation in B.C. and to forge new social and business relationships."
This high-profile, multimedia meeting place located near Tiananmen Square is open through September as a unique marketing and exhibition space. Each week, the Pavilion will feature a variety of different themes, including research and innovation, green design, Northern B.C., forest products, and film and TV.
"The Pavilion represents a wonderful opportunity to build on our close and long-standing commercial and cultural ties with China," said Minister Emerson. "It showcases Canadian innovation and excellence to the world, and promotes Canada as a top destination for investment, as well as a strategic partner for science and technology."
On the first floor, the Pavilion builds on the five Chinese elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth to create an experience giving visitors the impression that they have crossed the ocean and landed in Canada. Through stories of people, communities, legends, culture and innovation, visitors can discover their own connection to B.C. and Canada.
The Pavilion's second floor is a meeting place for businesses keen to learn more about the trade and investment opportunities B.C., Canada and China have to offer. Approximately 1,500 Chinese companies will use the Pavilion to meet with British Columbian and Canadian business representatives.
"Through an industry-driven business program, between 300 and 400 B.C. and Canadian companies will be given the chance to promote themselves, build relationships and foster partnerships in the growing Asian economies," said the Honourable Colin Hansen, B.C.'s Economic Development Minister and Minister Responsible for the Olympics. "It is the perfect opportunity for us to promote British Columbia as Canada's gateway to Asia."
The Pavilion was designed, programmed and planned in B.C. by local businesses and shipped to Beijing, transforming 21,000 square feet of existing space in the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall.
More information on the British Columbia Canada Pavilion is available at www.bccanadapavilion.ca and www.international.gc.ca/bccp-pcbc.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Dale Steeves
Communications Director
Office of the Premier
250-387-6605
Don McDonald
Communications Director
B.C. Secretariat
604-660-2923
Lynn Meahan
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-992-7332
Patrice Cousineau
Counsellor, Head of Public Affairs
Canadian Embassy, Beijing
Telephone: +86 (10) 5139-4000
