Report of CASB’s Canada visit, 7/7-23/2006
CASB organized a Chinese invest delegation to visit Canada from July 7 to July 23. It was an exciting and interesting visit. It was organized by CASB with great assistance from Canadian Consulate General in New York, Canadian Consulate in Chongqing, Quebec governments and Saskatchewan Investment offices. Canadian Consul Alan Mintz played an important role to compile a great program.
The members of the delegation include leaders from important big state owed enterprises, owners of medium size, fast growing private companies, and small high tech companies. They are all very interested to expand their business to Canada.
The delegation received overwhelming welcome in Canada. We were hosted by the speaker of the Assemblee Nationale, Quebec to have lunch in the Quebec Parliament, and hosted by the Mayors of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Chandler, and Madam Nancy Charest, member of Quebec Parliament. Our hosts in Gaspésie even charted a private airplane to fly our delegation to visit a paper mill. It was a wonderful visit. The scene is so beautiful, the people are so enthusiastic and the hospitality is so unforgettable. We are probably the first Chinese delegation to visit Gaspésie. Our visits were covered in the local newspaper and national TV. When we were in the restaurants or walking on the street, many local people came over to talk with us, and told us they saw us in TV, and welcome us to their hometown. It was such an amazing feeling. The Canadian government’s determination to attract foreign investment was also very impressive. The initiatives are even better than that in China. For an important high tech company, the government can offer a grant of 25% of total investment, and provide bank loan of 50% of the total investment. The project can be completed with the fund only 25% of the total investment.
There is a very interesting project of a paper mill. The Canadian governments have spent over $350 million, but could not complete the project. Now they will offered very good deal for new investors. They may even give the assets of $700 millions for almost free, and plus financial assistant. The visit is the first step of our cooperation, and we hope it will be fruitful.
The Mayor of Chandler in a welcome party
Delegation off from a charted airplane
