More than 100 members from British Columbia's Chinese-Canadian community, representing over 20 groups, are participating in Premier Christy Clark's jobs and trade mission to China.

"I am honoured that we will be joined by the largest community delegation to ever take part on a B.C. trade mission," said Premier Clark. "British Columbia will achieve even greater business success in China by building on our existing relationships, and our community delegation will help us do this. This is an example of how B.C.'s strong cultural diversity is supporting our efforts abroad. I look forward to working with the delegation to build and strengthen our cultural and economic ties with China."

The Chinese community delegation, whose ancestral roots are primarily in the Guangdong coastal city of Taishan, will help inaugurate the jobs and trade mission when it starts in Guangzhou on Nov. 5.

"We are delighted that Premier Clark has chosen China, especially British Columbia's sister province of Guangdong, as the initial stop of her first overseas trade mission. This demonstrates the close ties that exist between our communities," said Fred Mah, president of the B.C.-Guangdong Business Council. "The B.C.-Guangdong Business Council looks forward to participating in a successful trade mission and broadening the economic and family ties between the two provinces and between Canada and China."

To welcome Premier Clark and other jobs and trade mission participants to Guangdong, the Chinese community delegation has arranged a friendship event and reception at Guangzhou's Pearl River Park on Sunday, Nov. 6.

The Chinese community will also host a luncheon for the Premier at the Westin Guangzhou later in the day. It expected the luncheon will be attended by 225 people and will focus on the historical, cultural and ancestral ties between the people of Guangdong and British Columbia.

British Columbia and Guangdong became sister provinces in 1995. Vancouver and Guangzhou have been sister cities for over 25 years.

Including the 100-plus strong delegation from the Chinese-Canadian community, more than 300 people from over 130 companies, organizations and community groups will participate in the China portion of trade mission, the largest-ever provincial trade mission to the country.

The members of the Chinese community delegation, as with all other delegates, are paying for their own travel, accommodation and other expenses.

A backgrounder follows.

Contact:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

BACKGROUNDER

Nov. 2, 2011 Office of the Premier

Chinese-Canadian community delegation

Below is an alphabetical list of the Chinese-Canadian community delegation that will accompany Premier Christy Clark on the China portion of the BC Jobs and Trade Mission to China and India.

* Bai Sha Society of Vancouver

* British Columbia - Chinese Soccer Association

* British Columbia - Guangdong Business Council

* CIS Insurance Group

* Canada-Asian Food Supply Association

* Chinese Benevolent Association

* Chinese Canadian Roots Society

* Chinese Federation of Commerce

* Chinese Freemasons of Canada

* Ho Benevolent Association

* Lau Benevolent Society

* Lee's Benevolent Association

* Lung Kung Tien Yee Association

* Mah Benevolent Society

* Newcomer Settlement Services

* Sit. Seto Clans Association

* Teo Chew Society of Vancouver

* Toi Shan Benevolent Society

* Vancouver Evergreen Lions Club

* Vancouver Seniors Singing Association

* Wong's Benevolent Association

Contact:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640