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Our inaugural May 2008 trip of business leaders received remarkable feedback. During the 9-day trip, business professionals from an array of locations and industries had an once-in-a-lifetime occasion to see the true beauty of China—something riveting and enthralling for everyone involved. The significance for them was in building long lasting relationships for future opportunities with China. See below for more detailed information on the events of this spectacular tour.
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Our Canadian Delegation was able to fully experience the real beauty of China-and take away memories that will last a life time.
Besides the cultural component, the Delegation attended a seminar in Beijing International Studies University. Ms. Yuan Bai, the associate Dean of the School of International Economics and Trade at the University, gave a speech on how to conduct Business in China and another famous professor gave a speech on the Chinese economic system. Gary Hollick, the president of Surrey Board of Trade, and Joey Heilman, the vice director of the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, also gave speeches on behalf of our Canadian Delegation. At the end of the business seminar, the Canadian Delegation answered the questions from the students at the university.
On May 8, the Delegation received a formal reception from the Haimen Municipal Government, and was warmly welcomed by the mayor, the assistant mayor and other government officials. The Haimen Government held a business seminar to introduce the local business opportunities and business potentials, followed by a grand banquet. In the meantime, private meetings were held between Canadian business leaders and Chinese government. This meeting was mutually beneficial for both parties as there were intentions for co-operation for future possibilities.
Further, this inaugural trip was also a great networking tool between the Canadian business members themselves as they had many chances to meet and discuss business and social agendas. |
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TESTIMONIAL |
I would like to thank Tianjiao International Education Group Ltd., the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, and the Surrey Board of Trade, for their respective efforts in organizing and conducting the May 2008 Business Leaders Trip to China.
My co-travelers, typically lower-mainland chamber of commerce or board of trade members, were a pleasure to travel with (though as our scattered mob was shepherded from place to place, there were some allusions about ‘herding cats’ (too many leaders and not enough followers, perhaps?)) Through common experience we achieved good mutual rapport and a sense of business in China.
The trip didn’t start off well. The airline postponed our departure for a day due to engine problems (always best to get it right, though). And a day taken away from such short trip is a major disruption. But, though we ended up with some minor glitches, Tianjiao was able to make significant adjustments to compensate. I particularly commend Mr. Zhan, President of Tianjiao, for his efforts in resolving these problems, and in keeping us all well in the loop while doing so. While Tianjiao has specialized in education-oriented trips for some years, this was an inaugural business-oriented trip for them. Lessons-learned bode well for future such endeavors (November!). I also commend Ms Ge, and Mr. Zhan’s other staff in Canada and in China for their competence and professionalism throughout.
From my own perspective as a first time visitor, this trip was a tremendous success.
Having an already developed interest in China, this trip was still a vivid encounter with it, particularly Beijing and Shanghai. It is indeed exciting to see this ancient and proud land awakening and gathering momentum into the twenty-first century. The old, stereotypical, twentieth century labels of communism vs. capitalism are hard to fit anymore; the country is too big, too boisterous, and too varied. It is, simply, China. It is China, and it is open for Business.
Regards,
Ron McKinnon
Member of Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce |
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It was a pleasure accompanying the Chamber of Commerce Delegates to
China. Tianjao did an excellent job at ensuring everyone’s needs were
met. The business seminars, food and accommodations were first class!
Thanks James and Tianjao representatives.
Cheers,
Joey Duane Heilman
Director of the West Vancouver Chamber of Commerce |
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© 2008 TIANJIAO Limited. All rights reserved. |
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