Looking for a follow up from their Chinese adventure

Prince George officials are hoping that the recent trip to China by Team Northern BC, will soon bear some results, as they hope to see some delegations making a trip to Prince George in the near future.

That's the optimistic tone that the President of Initiatives Prince George is putting on the trip by thirty officials (including Prince Rupert Mayor Herb Pond) which took place in June.

.

See Podunkian articles here, here and here.

So far, there hasn't been much to fly the flag on as far as feedback from the journey goes, but from Prince George they are feeling that it will eventually prove to be a positive experience for the Northern city.

Opinion 250 in Prince George featured a follow up on the excursion and what officials hope is to come from it.

Still Hope For More Trade Agreements with China

Opinion 250

July 20, 2008

Prince George, B.C. – The trade mission to Beijing, China is expected to produce more opportunities, soon.

Tim McEwan, President of Initiatives Prince George, says discussions continue to bring delegations from China, “We are still in the planning stages, there may be delegations coming as early as next week however we may know more by the end of summer with regards to a couple of things we are working on.”

Mayor Colin Kinsley says he and Councilor Don Zurowski expect to see an MOU signed soon with the Chinese Logistics and Procurement Association. "We are finalizing a formal agreement with them to work with them" Kinsley also says he knows of two Chinese business people who plan to come to Prince George in late August or early September.

Zurowski says its all about diversification of our markets "We won't diversify our markets just because we want to, we will diversify our markets because we have worked at it."

Team Northern BC went to Beijing, China last month to promote investment opportunities throughout the region.

The thirty person team included representatives from community, business, First Nations, education and agency representatives from Prince Rupert, Terrace, Bulkley-Nechako Regional District, Fraser-Fort George Regional District, Prince George, Mackenzie, Lheidli T’enneh and Fort St. John.

Zurowski says selling the transportation prospects to the Chinese received a positive response " It is a green corridor, it takes less fossil fuel to move freight along the 54th parallel than the 49th."

He remains very optimistic that this mission will bear fruit "We will get what we worked for."