Project Enhances Opportunities for Canadian Wood Industries and Green Construction Material
The Honourable Greg Rickford, Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing the development and implementation of the Sino-Canadian Low-Carbon Eco-District Demonstration Project. The MOU was signed between Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and China’s Tianjin Binhai New Area following remarks delivered by Minister Rickford hosted by the Canada-China Business Council.
The MOU signed today reflects a growing interest around the world in Canadian wood and forest product expertise. Canada will initially contribute proficiency related to technology, construction and oversight by Canada Wood China — an organization funded by NRCan responsible for creating market opportunities for Canadian wood. The Chinese market for Canadian wood has grown dramatically from $104 million in 2004 to some $1.9 billion in 2013, enabling Canada to surpass Russia in becoming China’s largest softwood lumber supplier.
With the signing of this MOU, Canada is advancing its position to benefit from China’s growing demand for safe, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable housing, while creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians.
Today’s announcement follows previous demonstration projects undertaken over the past few years, including two four-storey buildings in the Tianjin Economic Development Area (TEDA). By providing local demonstrations of energy efficient and clean energy technologies, as well as giving demonstrations of the versatility and many other desirable attributes of Canadian wood products, Canada expects to open the door to future business opportunities for Canada’s industries.
Minister Rickford also highlighted the first-ever Technical Guide for the Design and Construction of Tall Wood Buildings in Canada, which underscores Canada’s expertise in this area. Canadian knowledge and experience in building with wood offers an opportunity for builders everywhere to benefit from this expertise.
Greg Rickford
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario
http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/forests/federal-programs/13133
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