Beijing, China - The Mayor of New Westminster gave opening remarks of Doing Business in Metro Vancouver on the second day of the Metro Vancouver Commerce Forum in Beijing, China.

“We are showcasing Metro Vancouver as a world–class place to live, work and play,” said Mayor Wayne Wright. “Sitting on the Pacific Rim as Canada’s gateway to the Asia-Pacific and our proximity to the United States makes Metro Vancouver a prime place for Asian investment.”

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is now a dynamic gateway for domestic and international trade, shipping $50 billion in goods every year to more than 100 of the world’s most dynamic economies.

“On top of all, Metro Vancouver is a key part of the large Pacific North West Economic Region which stretches from San Diego to Alaska,” said Wright. “We have also become a centre for the hi-tech sector including Microsoft who has just located in our region,” said Wright.

Metro Vancouver municipalities have a long-term strategy to attract business and investment from Asia. New Westminster is completing a fibre-optic network and planning a wireless network available throughout the City to enhance business to business communications.

“There are tremendous opportunities in Metro Vancouver,” said Wright. “With more than 40 businesses meeting with Metro cities this week, I am confident this will bring new investment to our area.”

Following the Metro Vancouver Commerce Forum, Mayor Wright will lead a delegation to New Westminster’s sister city, Lijiang, to meet with officials there. The delegation will also travel to Zhenjiang, China where Wright will sign a friendship Memorandum of Understanding with that city.

New Westminster is a key port in Metro Vancouver and is the first capital of British Columbia. The City celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2009.

Contact:

Blair Fryer
Communications Manager
604-527-4688