The B.C. government’s ongoing efforts to develop international markets for the province’s forest product industry took another step forward today, as Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson welcomed two more development agreements with two departments of the Shanghai Municipal Housing and Urban-Rural Development Administration Commission.

The first agreement is a renewal of a memorandum of understanding with the Shanghai Municipal Housing Construction and Development Centre. The second is a renewal of a previous memorandum of understanding with the Shanghai Science and Technology Committee.

Both agreements support the collaborative work undertaken to create more opportunities for public buildings and promote wood frame construction as a preferred building method there. Local government support is required to legally introduce new building systems.

Highlights of the two agreements are summarized below:

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Shanghai Municipal Construction and Development Centre:

• This agreement is a renewal of the 2009 memorandum of understanding between the Shanghai Municipal Construction and Development Centre, Canada’s Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. and Canada Wood China.
• The primary focus of the original MOU was the development and construction of the Sanlin affordable housing demonstration project in Shanghai. Three of the project’s buildings featured a variety of wood-based technology (e.g. hybrid wood/concrete construction, wood truss roofing systems and the use of wood partition walls).
• Thomson has met several times with Chinese officials since the original MOU was signed and has visited some of these projects.
• The groups that signed the agreement all recognize the benefits of wood construction, energy-efficient design and the reduction of carbon emissions.
• The memorandum of understanding has been renewed for another five years to continue this work and explore how wood frame technologies can be used more in public buildings.
• Canada will also provide training and technical support as Shanghai diversifies its housing construction practices, including the use of prefabricated components, construction industrialization and energy-saving methods.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shanghai Science and Technology Committee:

• The original agreement between Forestry Innovation Investment China, Canada Wood and the Shanghai Science and Technology Committee was signed in 2004.
• Participants worked together on market research, project assessments, technical feasibility studies and the preparation of local building codes.
• This five-year renewal will actively promote wood construction technologies as part of a low-carbon building solution for Shanghai. The committee is interested in using more “green” construction methods.
• The agreement includes technical exchanges between B.C. and Shanghai to encourage low-carbon, environmentally friendly wood frame construction.
• Over the past 10 years, Forestry Innovation Investment China and Canada Wood have worked with the Shanghai Science and Technology Committee on a range of projects, including: a standard design drawing for wood truss reroofing; publication of a comprehensive building code for wood frame construction in China; and market research on wood frame construction to develop seniors’ housing in China.

The Government of Canada partners with the Province of B.C. in supporting the activities undertaken by Canada Wood China through the Expanding Market Opportunities program, which helps Canada’s forest sector diversify its markets.

Trade missions are a critical part of British Columbia’s strategy to diversify its international trading partners and secure new investment, propelling economic activity and job creation throughout the province.

Quotes:

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

“The agreements that were signed today are just two more examples of how effective collaboration and sharing of expertise can benefit our two countries. It’s not only good for the people of China, but also good for B.C.’s forest industry and our wood producers.”

Minister of Natural Resources Canada Jim Carr –

“The renewal of these important agreements will help further develop international markets for Canadian wood products for the benefit of our forest sector and Canadians. I commend the governments of British Columbia and China for their continued support of innovation and competitiveness, while promoting environmental responsibility.”

Quick Facts:

• Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. first established an office in Shanghai in 2003.
• Shanghai has a population of over 24 million people.
• China is B.C.’s second largest market for wood products after the United States and it’s the province’s largest market for wood in Asia.
• In 2014, China received 25% of B.C.’s softwood lumber exports, totalling $1.43 billion.

Learn More:

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