Richmond-based waterpark company, WhiteWater West, is making waves in China with the signing of a new agreement to develop an all-season waterpark in Hong Kong.

Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat witnessed the signing ceremony between WhiteWater West and Ocean Park Hong Kong while on a trade mission with Premier Christy Clark to China and Vietnam Oct. 30 – Nov. 11, 2015.

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This agreement marks the launching point for what is expected to become an iconic tourist attraction for Hong Kong. The proposed Water World project is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2018, and will accommodate up to 10,500 visitors a day. The facility is expected to include 27 indoor and outdoor water-themed attractions.

Established in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a premium 91.5-hectare theme park that focuses on combining entertainment with education and conservation, connecting people with nature, and providing opportunities for guests to learn and have up-close encounters with animals. It has more than 80 attractions, as well as animal exhibits, which include a giant panda habitat that is home to the world’s oldest-ever living giant panda, a jelly fish and Chinese sturgeon exhibit and an aquarium featuring more than 5,000 fish.

This agreement is an important milestone in WhiteWater West’s significant and continued expansion into Asian markets. It has completed more than 100 high-quality waterpark and themed attractions projects in Asia, many of which are award-winning parks with state-of-the-art water rides and various other attractions. In China, WhiteWater West has been a supplier for:

• Yinji Kaifeng Water World in Henan, the largest waterpark in Asia
• OCT Shanghai Playa Maya Waterpark
• Paradise Island Waterpark in Chengdu
• Chime Long Waterpark in Guangzhou

Since 2009, B.C.’s trade and investment representatives in China and the Ministry of International Trade’s Vancouver-based team have been working with WhiteWater West to help grow its international business.

For example, the Province’s Guangzhou office provided in-market support and facilitated meetings between WhiteWater West and Chime Long Group, helping the company secure a deal to provide additional products and services for the expansion of Chime Long Waterpark.

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.

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Quotes:

Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade –

“Our government wants to see B.C. businesses grow abroad which helps our economy. This agreement with Ocean Park Hong Kong is a significant accomplishment for WhiteWater West and demonstrates the important role our trade and investment representatives play. We hope to see WhiteWater West continue to take on projects in new markets, creating new jobs and opportunities for British Columbians.”

Geoff Chutter, president and CEO, WhiteWater West Industries Ltd. –

“Working with the Ministry of International Trade has allowed WhiteWater to grow in far-reaching markets such as China. This Ocean Park contract represents the strong future ahead for WhiteWater within China and for the Chinese amusement industry.”

Tom Mehrmann, chief executive, Ocean Park Corporation –

“Ocean Park is pleased to have WhiteWater West’s participation in the Water World project. Their expertise and contributions will help bring a new world-class, all-weather waterpark to both visitors and residents in Hong Kong, transforming Ocean Park into an international resort destination.”

Quick Facts:

• WhiteWater West has 21 global offices and has completed more than 5,000 projects since it opened in 1980.
• In 2013, WhiteWater West was the recipient of a BC Export Award for manufactured products.
• In 2014, Deloitte recognized WhiteWater West as one of Canada’s best managed companies.
• WhiteWaterWest has waterpark installations throughout Asia: China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, India, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Learn More:

To learn more about the Premier’s and Minister Wat’s trade mission, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/trade-mission-to-china

For more information on WhiteWater West, visit: www.whitewaterwest.com

To learn more about Ocean Park Hong Kong, visit: http://www.oceanpark.com.hk

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