Vaughan Delegation Pursues Business Investment During China Trade Mission

Delegates from the City of Vaughan had the opportunity to promote investment in Vaughan to Chinese business people attending an economic forum in Beijing, held in conjunction with the Confederation of Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association Trade Mission to China.

“As one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies, China represents an opportunity for Vaughan in terms of investment and business opportunities,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “A key element of the City of Vaughan’s international business development strategy is the need to access new markets in order to achieve growth here at home. As a multicultural community, Vaughan is well-positioned to pursue opportunities around the world.”

 

The economic forum took place in the FunHill District of Beijing and included approximately 80 different businesses. The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre video – It’ll Move You – was a feature presentation. The delegation also met with the Canadian Ambassador to China, Guy Saint-Jacques.

 

“The City of Vaughan is committed to moving forward and establishing stronger economic ties with China,” said Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor Gino Rosati. “We understand that the process of entering the Chinese market begins with developing and nurturing relationships. Chinese companies prefer ‘face-to-face’ meetings which demonstrate a commitment to working in China and we have seen this first-hand during this mission.”

 

The Confederation of Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association Trade Mission to China delegation includes 71 members from a number of GTA municipalities including four delegates from the City of Vaughan – Deputy Mayor and Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco, Executive Director Tim Simmonds and Senior Manager of Economic Development Shirley Kam.

 

“There is great economic development potential from China that can benefit our local businesses and lead to new investment and markets for their products,” said Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco. “During this mission, the City has been pursuing a number of business interests in the food, packaging, retail trade and transportation sectors. Commodity goods demand remains strong in China but they are now also looking for investments and opportunities related to the service sector.” 

 

The City of Vaughan has had an active presence in China for a number of years. In addition to a Friendship City Agreement with Yangzhou, the City has undertaken a number of business missions to key economic centres in China, including the Changning District in Shanghai and the City of Yiwu in the Zhejiang Province.

 

Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China and has a population of more than 19 million people. It is among the most developed cities in China and home to 41 Fortune Global 500 companies, the second most in the world, and over 100 of the largest companies in China. Beijing is increasingly becoming known for its innovative entrepreneurs and high-growth startup companies.