GNWT promotes fur, tourism in China

YELLOWKNIFE (January 8, 2014) – Premier Bob McLeod and Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment David Ramsay will lead a delegation to China to promote the NWT as a trade partner, a follow-up to the successful Council of the Federation Mission to China in 2012. During that mission, there was significant interest from the mining, energy, furs, and tourism industries about the NWT’s potential to serve the Chinese market, and Premier McLeod committed to support partnerships to expand these industries.

Attendance at the annual Beijing Fur Fair will be a major focus of the trip, where the Premier and Minister will promote NWT wild fur to attendees, meet with media and speak at a number of events.

Media availabilities during the trade mission will be announced as they become available. Speeches and presentations will be posted to the GNWT’s news site.

For more information, contact:

Brenda Norris
Media Liaison
Office of the Premier and Executive Council
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 669-2302
Fax: (867) 873-0111

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Backgrounder:

Premier Bob McLeod and Minister David Ramsay will lead a trade mission to China from January 11-21, 2014.

Members of the trade mission will make presentations to the Beijing Fur Fair, the International Fur Trade Federation Forum, the Canada Tourism Commission, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, the Shanghai Association of Travel Agents, and the Hong Kong Association of Travel Agents. They will also meet with Chinese government officials and business organizations in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, with a focus on making connections that will improve the way NWT products and services are marketed to China.

The NWT delegation includes Premier McLeod, Minister Ramsay, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Jackie Jacobson, Chair of the Standing Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure Robert Hawkins and representatives of industries with key interests in China, as well as GNWT officials in support.

Mission Objectives

While in China, the delegation will:

• Promote the NWT’s significant economic potential as a source of desired resources, goods and services. They will put particular focus on the tourism, resource, and arts and crafts industries.
• Build relationships with Chinese leaders and business contacts, and identify potential business partners.
• Enable NWT business representatives to explore new trade opportunities, gather market insights and acquire business contacts.
• Promote traditional Arctic lifestyles.
• Support Canada’s Arctic Council objectives.

Business opportunities

China is the world’s second-largest economy and represents a fast-growing segment of Canada’s global trading market. Representatives of the NWT’s mining industry will participate in meetings and events to promote investment in the NWT economy, including its vibrant resource development sector.

China is Canada’s fastest-growing tourism market, and Chinese tourists are particularly interested in authentic cultural experiences like those available in the NWT. A Yellowknife tour company that caters to the Chinese market is part of the delegation and will meet with key representatives of the tourism industry in China.

NWT furs are in great demand in China and are recognized as among the best in the world. Members of the delegation will make speeches and presentations to promote Genuine Mackenzie Valley Furs to the Chinese market, including the NWT’s sustainable and humane harvesting and wildlife management practices.

During the 2012 trade mission, these three lucrative markets were identified as having the largest trade potential for the NWT. China needs energy resources to fuel its own growth, and the growing and prosperous Chinese middle class has increasing demands for premium luxury goods.

Value of trip

The estimated cost to the GNWT is $243,000.

The trip is a strategic investment that will help NWT businesses establish new contacts, explore new opportunities and grow the NWT economy. Establishing new business relationships with China will diversify the economy and provide opportunities in all communities and regions.

NT5