Premier Pat Binns led a mission of Island companies and trade officials to Hainan, PEI’s sister province in Southern China.
The mission also included participation in the ninth China International Fair for Investment and Trade in Xiamen. Trade Team PEI, an organization jointly sponsored by the provincial and federal governments explored opportunities in biotechnology, information technology, construction and educational services.
“China is emerging as an important economic power in the world and it’s vital that we establish a relationship now,” said Premier Binns. “We already have strong links with Hainan province in China and this will strengthen this link and set the ground work for future relationships.”
Prince Edward Island has enjoyed a developing relationship with Hainan for the past few years. While business relationships take some time to develop in China, Hainan and PEI are poised to take advantage of each other’s strengths.
Chinese students have been working in programs developed by Holland College in several areas as a result of other agreements signed over the last four years. Holland College, a participant in the China trade mission, is working towards a joint agreement to deliver programs in Hainan, China. On Monday, September 19, there will be a signing of the agreement at the College’s Tourism and Hospitality Culinary Centre.
A delegation from Hainan, China arrives in PEI on Sunday September 18, 2005.