[LabComm] Taiwan trip helps build on cultural, economic relationship

[BC NDP Newswire]

Taiwan trip helps build on cultural, economic relationship



Building our relationships with our Pacific neighbours is a crucial component of future growth in British Columbia.

That's why New Democrat Leader Carole James sent a delegation to China and Hong Kong in July and why she and three of her MLAs are in Taiwan this week.

Economic Development Critic Jenny Kwan, Finance Critic Bruce Ralston and Tourism, Sport and the Arts Critic Norm Macdonald are joining James on the weeklong trip to Taiwan.

"Taiwan is one of the economic powerhouses of the Pacific Rim," said James. "They're an important trading partner, and these face-to-face exchanges are terrific tools in building on our cross-Pacific friendship."

Taiwan is currently British Columbia's fifth largest export market. Though small territorially, Taiwan currently pumps more than a half billion dollars annually into B.C.'s economy.

"As the Asian economy continues to grow, and especially as we move toward the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, we want to continue to foster good relationships with our friends on the Pacific Rim," James said. 

This is not just an economic trip, James said. Along with meeting the business leaders -- including the high tech and film industry sectors -- the delegation will make contact with cultural leaders as well.

"We're more than just trading partners," James said. "With the large number of first-generation Canadians from the Pacific Rim, the cultural ties are nearly as important as the economic ties.

"And it's a wonderful chance to learn from our friends and neighbours," James said. "This trip is another step on the way to forging better relationships with our Asian partners."

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