An upcoming trade mission to China will strengthen business relationships and educational partnerships, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“China is one of the world’s emerging global markets and there is a growing interest in our province with respect to collaborative initiatives and business opportunities in China,” said Premier Ghiz. “This mission is part of our province’s on-going efforts to stimulate economic growth, trade and international investment.”
Premier Ghiz and an Island delegation will travel to China for a ten-day mission beginning November 18. The focus of the mission is to foster business relationships and possible new ventures for Island businesses. Island businesses taking part in the mission include: Anne in China Inc., BerMc Controls Inc., COWS Inc., Prince Edward Island Bag Company Ltd. and Raspberry Point Oysters. The mission will also focus on strengthening educational partnerships as the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), Holland College and Study Abroad Canada are attending.
The University of Prince Edward Island will sign three new agreements with universities in China: Anyang Normal University, University of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. UPEI will renew agreements with Hainan University and Changzhou Institute of Technology, and recognize current ones with Ludong University and China Agricultural University. The trip will also provide an opportunity for UPEI to conduct exploratory visits to institutions, such as Ocean University of China in Qingdao, that may result in future collaborations.
“UPEI participates in various international activities to further our position as a destination university for Islanders and for people from around the world,” said UPEI President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “We have strong alumni ties in China and have formed a number of partnerships with universities in Beijing, Sichuan and Shandong provinces. On this mission, UPEI looks forward to renewing and developing new relationships to advance student recruitment; practicum, exchange and articulation agreements; and research focussed on fish health, animal epidemiology and swine.”
Holland College will be signing educational joint venture agreements with existing partner colleges, Chengdu Electromechanical College and Hainan College of Vocation and Technique, as well as a new partner, Jiangsu Animal Husbandry and Veterinary College, and a cooperative memorandum of understanding regarding the tourism and adult learning initiatives.
“This mission will create networking opportunities for Holland College to further explore the potential for international educational business development,” said Holland College President Brian McMillan. “It will strengthen the educational partnerships between our school and our partners in China and allow more Chinese students to enrol in Holland College programs in China.”
In Beijing, Premier Ghiz will visit Tsinghua High School. Through an agreement with Study Abroad Canada and the Prince Edward Island Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, the Prince Edward Island school curriculum will be delivered to Grade 10 and 11 students at the school. These students will complete their Grade 12 in Prince Edward Island and receive a high school diploma from the province.
Premier Ghiz will also renew Prince Edward Island’s Friendship-Province Relationship Agreement with Hainan Province. The original agreement was signed in 2001 and this trip will mark the tenth anniversary of Prince Edward Island’s relationship with Hainan.
“Over the past decade, Prince Edward Island has had a strong relationship with Hainan that has been beneficial for both parties,” said Premier Ghiz. “The renewal of our partnership will confirm our commitment to continuing and enhancing this friendship, facilitate improved relationships and economic partnerships and identify areas of cooperation and joint initiatives for the future.”
BACKGROUNDER
Anne in China Inc.
Anne of Green Gables is one of the most popular romantic novels ever published. Anne in China Inc. is the exclusive authorized agent for Anne of Green Gables publishing, merchandise and trademarks in the Greater China Region. The company is introducing the new official authorized Chinese Edition Anne of Green Gables novel to a 1.4 billion population in China.
BerMc Controls Inc.
BerMc Controls Inc. is a Prince Edward Island company that has been providing electrical and control services to its clients for the past eight years. Over that period, they have acquired considerable experience in the automation and control of manufacturing and industrial processes. Over the past four years, the company has been actively involved in the small wind turbine industry in P.E.I. and abroad.
COWS Inc.
COWS began in 1983 making all-natural ingredients ice cream. Today they sell 32 flavours and operate retail stores in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and British Columbia. In addition to the world famous ice cream, they also sell a unique line of COWS T-shirts and other associated products. In 2006, COWS expanded their brand to include cheddar cheese.
Prince Edward Island Bag Company Ltd.
Prince Edward Island Bag Co. Ltd. has been providing packaging solutions to the agriculture, fishing, food and construction industries for over six decades. They deliver top-quality products and outstanding customer service.
Raspberry Point Oysters Co.
Raspberry Point Oyster Co. provides a much prized and sought-after oyster for its wonderful salty taste, clean flavour with a distinct and interesting sweet aftertaste Each Raspberry Point Oyster takes 6 to 7 years to grow to shucking size and is of the finest quality because it is grown in the cool clean waters of Prince Edward Island, just off Raspberry Point. Raspberry Point Oysters are shipped fresh around the world.