China Celebrates 69th Year Anniversary
and acknowledges stronger ties with BC

China’s close ties with British Columbia is expected to boost trade and tourism.

Chinese Consul General in Vancouver Tong Xiaoling hosted a reception at the Westin Bayshore Vancouver on September 28, 2018. The occasion celebrates the 69th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

Guests from foreign diplomats, local politicians to First Nations leaders, the local business and Chinese community packed the grand ballroom awash in red light. In Chinese culture, red symbolizes power, happiness and prosperity.

China is the second largest economy, the largest exporter, second largest importer and the largest direct investment country in the world, says Tong.

Tong mentions that China will host the first International Import Expo in Shanghai in November. Over 150,000 delegates are expected. Canada will be among the guest countries participating in the expo.

She recognizes the close ties China has with British Columbia (B.C.). Trade with B.C. has been increasing over the past years. She anticipates this trend to continue with more visits to China by BC Premier John Hogan in the near future.

2018 is Canada-China Year of Tourism. Vancouver attracts the highest number of Chinese tourists to Canada, she explains. She hopes more Canadians will visit China to discover and experience the ‘true’ China.

UNESCO World Heritage Status for Vancouver Chinatown

B.C. Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston in his speech says his government is working with the City of Vancouver to have Vancouver Chinatown designated as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site.

Vancouver Chinatown, says Ralston, “will serve as a crucial reminder for the contributions of Canadian of Chinese origin to the building of British Columbia”.

He wholeheartedly agrees with Premier Hogan remarks, “Vancouver’s Chinatown is a powerful symbol of the resilience, determination and courage of generations of the Chinese community and people who have helped build this province”.

Key to Business Success

Ralston acknowledges the strong historical and economic connections between China and B.C. He says, “It’s through events like this, we get opportunities to identify ways that we can grow and prosper together.”

“At the heart of every successful business relationship is a strong personal relationship. It is very difficult to do business with people you don’t know and people that you can’t trust.”

Adding to Ralston’s remarks, Mayor Greg Robertson says city hall is also working on establishing a Chinese-Canadian museum in addition to acquiring UNESCO heritage status for Vancouver Chinatown. Robertson impressed audience with his speech in the Mandarin language.

Consul General Tong Xiaoling raising a toast to the friendship between China and Canada, her country’s 69th Anniversary, cooperation between China and B.C., peace and development of the world, the good health and peace of all guests.

Silk Road Today -China Celebrates 69th Anniversary in Vancouver acknowledging stronger ties with BC

Consul General Tong with dignitaries including B.C. Ministers, senior government officials, local political and community leaders.

Silk Road Today - Silk Road Today -China Celebrates 69th Anniversary in Vancouver acknowledging stronger ties with BC

Marketing Manager, Barbara Huang and Director Yang Wenting from the China National Tourist Office in Toronto promoting the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism.