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B.C. & Beijing Sign Investment Co-Operation Agreement

May 23, 2006

BEIJING, P.R. CHINA – A Memorandum of Co-operation in Investment signed today between the B.C. government and the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau will help expand business opportunities, cultural understanding and maximize Olympic opportunities on both sides of the Pacific.

“It is important that British Columbia continue to seek out every opportunity available to us to expand our business reach into China’s emerging markets,” said Economic Development Colin Hansen, who took part in the memorandum signing ceremony. “This memorandum brings together officials in B.C. and Beijing to share ideas and information that will build connections and ultimately improve business.”

The memorandum will see Invest BC and the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau work toward mutual assistance in third-party business enquiries about investment opportunities. It also aims to assist in improving cultural understanding relating to business practices and provides an opportunity to discuss maximizing the return on investments related to hosting Olympic events. B.C. and Beijing also agree to organizing future business and government meetings, at least once a year, to continue building this Beijing-B.C. relationship.

Hansen is in Asia to promote investment and business opportunities in B.C., and the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as look at ways to expand trade and tourism with the Asia-Pacific region. In addition to Beijing, Hansen’s itinerary includes stops in Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai, China and Tokyo, Sendai and Inawashiro, Japan.
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