Vancouver is my current home town and I love it here. I am really happy to hear Vancouver have its own presents at the international event of the year - Shanghai Expo 2010. It probably doesn't have the crowd that the Canada Pavilion draws, but it is here to do business. Rumour has it, the pavilion is largely sponsored by the timber industry. No surprise there, aside from USA, China is becoming a huge timber consumer. They benefit the most from exposing itself to China.
But Vancouver not only has wood products, here are a few BC industries I wish were showcased at pavillion.
First, green technology. The pavilion does put focus on clean and green living (by building wood construction and use wood products). I really would like to see more focus. Vancouver recently was ranked one of the top 15 on the Mercer Eco-City index and 4th in Quality of Living Index. Vancouver has so many innovative small businesses that are dedicated to green technology. I participated in several business plan competitions in recent years in BC and the top prizes were always awarded to green business ideas. Obviously, we have so much to offer to China and the world. Trust me, China really needs it!!
Second, tourism. I don't think I have ever met anyone who does not love Vancouver after a visit (most, eventually move here). The mountain and the ocean are second to none. It is one of the few places in the world where you can ski in the mountains, windsurf in the ocean and play a round of golf all in the same day! Last winter, Canada and China finally agreed to proceed with the Approved Destination Status agreement. Chinese tourists will be give Vancouver tourism industry a huge boost in the coming years.
Third, booze! The Okanagan valley (5 hour drive outside of Vancouver) produces high quality wine and icewine. Drinking wine is a hot luxury trend in China right now.
Here is an article that talks about the Vancouver Pavillion in more detail.
But Vancouver not only has wood products, here are a few BC industries I wish were showcased at pavillion.
First, green technology. The pavilion does put focus on clean and green living (by building wood construction and use wood products). I really would like to see more focus. Vancouver recently was ranked one of the top 15 on the Mercer Eco-City index and 4th in Quality of Living Index. Vancouver has so many innovative small businesses that are dedicated to green technology. I participated in several business plan competitions in recent years in BC and the top prizes were always awarded to green business ideas. Obviously, we have so much to offer to China and the world. Trust me, China really needs it!!
Second, tourism. I don't think I have ever met anyone who does not love Vancouver after a visit (most, eventually move here). The mountain and the ocean are second to none. It is one of the few places in the world where you can ski in the mountains, windsurf in the ocean and play a round of golf all in the same day! Last winter, Canada and China finally agreed to proceed with the Approved Destination Status agreement. Chinese tourists will be give Vancouver tourism industry a huge boost in the coming years.
Third, booze! The Okanagan valley (5 hour drive outside of Vancouver) produces high quality wine and icewine. Drinking wine is a hot luxury trend in China right now.
Here is an article that talks about the Vancouver Pavillion in more detail.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment