To China and back on a successful mission for all

By Heather Thomson
Sep 14 2005
Merritt Herald

Merritt's representatives to China came back from the trip with much more than they expected.

According to Mayor David Laird the trip was beneficial to both countries.
"It was a great trip," he said. "We all found it very worthwhile and got more out of it than we expected."

During their time in Northeastern China they had at least two meetings a day with representatives from the different cities and provinces which they visited. For the most part, the topic of conversation revolved around economic development, education and tourism.

"The Chinese economy is mind-blowing," the mayor explained. "But they are looking
for education and tourism opportunities."

He explained that unless they are invited the people of China cannot visit Canada. They would like to come here in order to polish their English and to see what opportunities are here. This kind of exchange is one opportunity that could be beneficial to Merritt, the mayor explained.

As for investment in Canada, the mayor believes it would have to be something big to attract Chinese investors. He gave the example of a copper mine since that is a resource they need and cannot supply for themselves.

"They consume all that they produce," he explained. "Each community has a large economic development section and the cities compete to see which can get the most companies to locate there."

Mayor Laird added there is a lot they could learn from that goal oriented economy. He pointed out that the diverse group from Merritt all worked hard to get as much out of the trip as possible.

CFDC Economic Development Officer Deanne Parise was also among the 17 Merrittonians who travelled to China. She said the trip was absolutely amazing.
"We travelled everywhere and were treated like royalty," she said. "There is lots we can learn from that trip."

She too believes Merritt will benefit from the trip by gaining education and tourism opportunities. She added that the Chinese people are way ahead when it comes to high technology business.

"They are open for business and so are we," she said. "This is definitely something we have to follow up on in the future."

She added that after only being home four days her e-mail inbox was already overflowing with responses from people with whom they met while in China.

While away the group also made a preliminary agreement with the City of Baishan to become sister cities. Mayor Laird said it still has to be approved by council, but he sees many benefits to this partnership. He said it is similar in many ways to Merritt, although with a population of 1.3 million obviously the population isn't one of them.