Mayor Says Up Front and Centre Gets It Done

By 250 News

When it comes to economic development, relationships with Guandong Province of China are a positive step.  That province has the  strongest economy in China, already surpassing Hong Kong.  

Prince George Mayor Colin Kinsley says the recent visit by a delegation from that province is a critical first step "This is opening the door to greater understanding, cooperation and learning with the Chinese"  

Kinsley says  it also presents an opportunity for economic development.

"The Chinese Government and Chinese businesses have large amounts of capital looking for a place to invest.    We want to make sure, we’re right  there front and centre so that when they are making decisions on investment, Prince George and the entire region are considered." 

There have been plenty of delegations visiting the area over the past couple of years,  from Russia and from China, but so far, nothing that has produced any agreement or "signed" contract.  Yet, Kinsley is optimistic "There have been other things happening " says Kinsley.  On a previous visit, Kinsley was invited to China and brought along the Mayors of Terrace and Prince Rupert "Now whether it was from that trip or something subsequent, we don’t know, but the Chinese became involved in the Skeena Mill. So there’s a success of having that kind of in your face relationship."

The Mayor is still hopeful  P.G. will become a host city for Chinese athletes training for 2010 "We think there is more to come because we’re really really close to  being defined as a community of choice in British Columbia for training."

Kinsley says there has been a great deal of groundwork laid  "We’re very very confident, and everybody we’ve talked to has been impressed. "  The Mayor adds " As you know there was another Chinese gentleman  here who was  involved  with what they call the skate division, so figure skating, hockey, speed skating and stuff, he was very impressed." 

Kinsley says there have been talks about  having the Chinese Women’s hockey team train here "The entire women’s hockey team could come here, play in the Prince George women’s league, attend UNBC for International Studies, and ESL.  So , you know  we’re a little far reaching perhaps, but that’s how you get things done."

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