When Pelesys Learning Systems of Richmond recently sealed the deal on a contract to provide aviation training solutions to the giant Comac, China's national aircraft manufacturer, the B.C. company's operators knew they were on the verge of something big.

Comac, which is positioning itself to become the next Boeing or Airbus, has predicted that Chinese airlines will need 4,700 new aircraft in the next 20 years. Pelesys hoped their contract would open the door to more business opportunities.

This week Pelesys returned to China, as part of Premier Christy Clark's BC Jobs and Trade Mission, to sign another agreement - this time with Nanjing Ticom S&T Co. Ltd. - to develop and market training software for the high-speed railway market. Pelesys is now planning to expand its Richmond headquarters. The latest Pelesys agreement was one of four witnessed by Premier Clark in Shanghai.

"The story of Pelesys shows what this trade mission is all about," said Premier Clark. "By building relationships through our trade missions and with the help of our government trade representatives in China, this small Richmond company got its foot in the door with a huge Chinese company - a connection that gave them potential to grow in the future. Our work here in China is part of our BC Jobs Plan commitment to create jobs in the high-tech sector."

Earlier in the day, Premier Clark met with Comac senior officials. At the Premier's invitation, the company has agreed to send a delegation to next year's Abbotsford Air Show. Comac said it currently has 165 orders for new planes, with more orders to come.

"Trade missions like this one are extremely important in building trust and relationships, without which we cannot do business in China," said George Wang, President of Pelesys. "Comac, being state-run, will only seriously consider dealing with companies that have strong government representation. We also rely very strongly on the B.C. government trade representatives in Shanghai, who helped us make the day-by-day connections that were critical to success."

Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell says the Province is going to do even more to help B.C. businesses make deals in China.

"We're doubling our international trade presence in key and expanding markets because there is a growing appetite for B.C.'s goods and services in those areas," said Bell. "Through our BC Jobs Plan, we are focusing on competitive B.C. sectors like technology, and markets like China that are fuelled by the rapid growth of their middle classes."

As part of the BC Jobs Plan, Premier Clark is leading the largest trade mission in the province's history to promote B.C. as a safe harbour for investment. The Jobs and Trade Mission is focused on strengthening existing relationships between B.C. and Asian markets, opening doors for new relationships and setting the stage for future opportunities in China and India. Delegates from more than 130 companies and organizations are accompanying the Premier as part of the effort to defend and create jobs here at home. Health Minister Mike de Jong will also be accompanying the Premier during her time in India.

Japan and Hong Kong are also on the jobs and trade mission itinerary. Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Land and Natural Resources, will travel to Japan; Minister Bell ends his part of the mission in Hong Kong.

A backgrounder follows.

Contacts:

Marisa Adair
Communications Director,
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 431-7316
Marisa.Adair@gov.bc.ca

Carolyn Heiman
Communications Manager
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 387 2799

BACKGROUNDER

Other agreements signed in Shanghai are:

• Epic Data International Inc. (Richmond) with Huazhong University of Science & Technology, for commercial development and marketing of its products and services to Chinese automotive and aerospace manufacturers. The joint venture agreement is expected to create 40 new jobs at Epic's B.C. offices over two years.
• Westbank Development Corp. (Vancouver) and Kaisan Architecture (Vancouver) with Nanjing Zhong Chi Group and Nanjing Railway Investment Corp. A letter of intent has been signed to form a joint venture that would be the largest project development by a Canadian developer with a Canadian architecture firm in China. The commercial mixed-used project could create 10 to 15 new jobs for British Columbians.
• ABBARCH Architecture (Shanghai) Ltd., a subsidiary of ABBARCH Architecture Inc. (Vancouver) with JY Architectural Design Co. Ltd. This joint venture is for the design of four buildings for the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection Centre, which houses one of Shanghai's largest government agencies in China's biggest and busiest import and export centre. The project is expected to create between six and 10 jobs in B.C.

Contacts:

Marisa Adair
Communications Director,
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 431-7316
Marisa.Adair@gov.bc.ca

Carolyn Heiman
Communications Manager
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 387 2799