Jiangsu Province is the latest Chinese province to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Province of B.C. to increase the use of wood-frame construction, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

The agreement enhances co-operation and communication between the two governments, and is an opportunity to apply wood-frame construction in Jiangsu, since wood-frame buildings are energy-efficient and reduce carbon emissions. Benefits of the partnership include wood-frame construction research, exploration of suitable locations for wood-frame building applications for Jiangsu Province, joint promotion of wood-frame construction, and enhanced government and industry exchanges.

The agreement was signed by Thomson and Zhou Lan, Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development for the Province of Jiangsu, which develops and implements policies related to housing and the overall development of the real-estate sector. In China, memoranda of understanding are the first step toward increasing commercial activity.

The memorandum of understanding is the latest advancement of a relationship dating back to 2008, when Forestry Innovation Investment China and Canada Wood China first worked in Jiangsu Province, collaborating on a series of wood truss roof renovations in the Baixia District of Nanjing.

Thomson made the announcement during the 2014 Forestry Asia Trade Mission. Trade missions secure new investment, propelling economic activity and job creation throughout the province. In June 2014, Premier Christy Clark re-committed Thomson to co-sponsoring annual trade missions to Asia with the forest industry.

Quote:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

“The fact that China is moving towards greener building policies is a win for B.C.’s forest sector, since wood-frame construction is more environmentally friendly, more energy efficient and leaves a smaller carbon footprint. Jiangsu is well-positioned to succeed since two of their universities include wood-frame construction in their curriculum.”

Quick Facts:

• Jiangsu is China’s second wealthiest province with a GDP estimated at over US$950 billion - representing 10% of China’s GDP.
• Jiangsu Province contains many economic development zones and export zones that are home to numerous foreign and domestic manufacturing companies.
• Jiangsu’s construction volume is among the top three in China.

Learn More:

Photos from the 2014 Forestry Asia Trade Mission are online at: http://ow.ly/CrS0Z

Follow the trade mission on Twitter @BCJobsPlan (https://twitter.com/BCJobsPlan), #TM2014

BC Jobs Plan: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Building our Natural Advantage: Forest Sector Strategy for British Columbia: www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/forestsectorstrategy

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261