May 12th, 2016

(From China Report, Correspondent Li Chuanjun) From May 5 to 7, 2016, A delegation led by Mr. Xiao Wunan, Executive Vice Chairman of APECF, was invited to visit Victoria and Vancouver of British Columbia, and met members of Canada's Parliament, members of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia and people from all walks of life. They discussed ways to promote Sino-Canadian economic and trade relations and further deepen bilateral cooperation, obtaining fruitful results.

On the morning of May 5, the delegation led by Mr. Xiao Wunan visited Parliament of British Columbia in Victoria, and was invited to listen to parliamentary debates, and delightfully exchanged ideas with Ms. Linda Reid, Speaker of Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. British Columbia and China’s Guangdong province are sister states. On the occasion of Guangdong province’s visit to British Columbia, APECF which has long-term cooperation with Guangdong province discussed ways to promote further cooperation between Guangdong province and British Columbia. After that, the delegation had a business lunch with Mr. Richard Lee, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, and Dr. Doug Bing, a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, and exchanged ideas on promoting economic and trade relations between British Columbia and Guangdong province, including fruit, aquatic products, timber and new energy cars and other areas of mutual interest, reaching broad consensuses. That afternoon, the delegation had a talk with Mr. Clark Roberts, Deputy Minister of Ministry of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism, on how to exploit the regional advantages of Vancouver and the feasibility of establishing a “China Center”. On May 6, overseas Chinese associations in Vancouver and Chinese entrepreurs in North America held a welcome ceremony, Mr. Wang Dianqi, Chairman of the Canadian Chinese Peaceful Unification Association, Mr. Yuanzheng Chu, Presiding Chairman of the Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations and President of the Canada Chinese Investors and Entrepreneurs Association, Mr. Hu Peifeng, Chairman of the Peace and Development Forum of Canada, Mr. Wu Jiaming, Standing Vice Chairman of the Peace and Development Forum of Canada, Mr. Fred Kwok, Chairman of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver, Mr. Liu Zuying, Chairman of the Canadian Beijing Culture Association, Mr. Wu Lianjie, Secretary-General of the Tianjin Federation of Canada Association and Chairman of the Canada-China Association for the Promotion of Youth Culture & Art Exchanges, Ms. Catherine Huang, former Chairperson of Beijing Chaoyang Lions Club of Lions Clubs International, Mr. Shuguo Zhou, Chairman of Asia Pacific Yacht Association, Mr. Hong Yang, President & C.E.O. of CAC Enterprises Group Inc., and leaders of other overseas Chinese associations had a joyful gathering and exchanged views on how to intensively carry out work with regards to overseas Chinese around Vancouver in the future. That evening, each overseas Chinese association held a welcome banquet.

On May 7, this visit was marked by the “2016 Vancouver International Sharing Economy & E-Commerce Forum” and the signing and ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the launching of “Canada Channel”. A Chairman of APECF delivered a welcoming speech at the forum, while providing insight on China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative and “Go Global” strategy, as well as the promotion and enhancement of Sino-Canadian trade through the Interent. Mr. Joe Peschisolido, a member of Parliament of Canada for Steveston-Richmond East, and Ms. Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia-Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism, also gave welcoming speeches. During the forum, the Executive Vice Chairman of APECF held talks with Parliament member Joe Peschisolido, Minister Teresa Wat and Mr. David Teng, Chairman of the Canada China Chamber of Industry & Commerce, and exchanged ideas with friends from Canadian entreprises and scientific circle, reaching consensus on the promotion of Sino-Canadian economic and trade, and boosting exchanges through the Internet.

APECF’s visit was well received by Canadian people from all walks of life. Global TV, Phoenix Satellite TV and Chinese-language TV stations broadcast exclusive interviews.

Through this visit, APECF found a positive and unique way to strengthen Sino-Canadian relations and promote the development of economy and trade by means of public diplomacy and starting a new phase around China’s “One Belt, One Road” initiative. The APECF is a non-profit organization founded by dignitaries, renowned scholars, social activists, internationally influential enterprises and research institutes in the Asia-Pacific region. The foundation engages in extensive and constructive communication and cooperation with many other organizations in the region, which is one of the most influential international institutions in the world.