Minister of State for Trade
Thousands of influential Chinese business leaders are converging on Vancouver for the 18th Teochew International Federation Convention – a unique opportunity for B.C. businesses and entrepreneurs to network and build relationships with potential trade partners and investors from around the world.
This is the first time the convention has been held in Canada and only the second time it has been held in North America. Established in 1981, it is held every two years in various locations around the world and brings together residents and descendants of China’s Chaoshan region, located in eastern Guangdong province.
Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat will speak to an audience of approximately 1,700 delegates to emphasize B.C.’s competitive advantages in the global marketplace, including B.C.’s proximity to Asia, its competitive business environment and its highly skilled and multicultural workforce.
Wat will also highlight the many cultural and economic ties between B.C. and Guangdong province. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the sister-province agreement signed between B.C. and Guangdong in 1995, with this convention being a key part of the activities taking place to commemorate this relationship.
The B.C. Government and the Canada Chaoshan Business Association are co-organizing two sector seminars at the convention on agrifoods and natural resources to introduce the delegates to the B.C. investment climate and discuss the investment opportunities in each sector.
In February 2014, the Canada Chaoshan Business Association announced that, in partnership with Teochew member associations across Canada and with the support of the City of Vancouver, the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, it was awarded the right to host the convention from Aug. 19-21, 2015, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
Through the BC Jobs Plan, British Columbia is growing trade and investment by leveraging these types of opportunities to promote B.C.’s position and reputation as North America’s most competitive and dynamic location for Asia Pacific trade, investment and commerce.
Quote:
Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade –
“This is a great opportunity for B.C. business leaders to leverage our province’s competitive advantages to make important connections with influential executives from all over the world, leading to future trade and investment, and ultimately, new jobs for British Columbians. The conference also serves to mark the 20th anniversary of the sister-province agreement between B.C. and Guangdong and illustrates how those relationships can benefit both jurisdictions.
Quick Facts:
- The guiding principles of the Teochew International Federation Convention are to support Teochew culture, unite people of Teochew descent around the world and promote collaboration in areas of trade, culture and social welfare between communities and internationally.
- There are over 50 million people of Teochew descent around the world, with over 40% of the population living in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, France, Australia and North America.
- Well-known aspects of Teochew culture include Kongfu Tea, cuisine, embroideries and woodcarvings.
- Teochew people are known for their charitable work, dedication to preserving their culture and their solidarity.
- Teochew communities from various countries all over the world participate in the Teochew International Federation Convention on a voluntary basis.
- In 1981, the first convention was attended by approximately 660 people. More than 2,500 delegates are expected to attend this year’s convention in Vancouver.
- This conference will contribute an estimated $3 million in direct spending to the local economy.
Learn More:
To learn more about the 18th annual Teochew International Federation Convention, visit: http://www.18teochew.com/en/
For more information about B.C. trade and investment opportunities visit: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/
Learn more about the BC Jobs Plan at: www.bcjobsplan.ca
A backgrounder follows.
