THUNDER BAY, ON,  ---  June 25, 2009  --- I could be just as “Invite them and they will come”. A high level Chinese trade delegation spent much of the past two days visiting Thunder Bay. Lead by Vice Consul General Lei Zhigang of the People's Republic of China, Nick Zeng, China Mining Association. The Chinese delegation came at the invitation of the Hon. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forests. His office worked together with Richard Pohler of Thunder Bay’s Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) members of city council and the business community.

Vice Consul General Lei Zhigang mentioned that the delegation is impressed with the vastness of Canada and by the physical beauty of Thunder Bay. The two-day visit of the city included a tour of the cities waterfront and harbour facilities. The Vice Consul noted the many lumber plants for sale along the waterfront. The Chinese are impressed that our resource economy can operate with respect for the environment. In mining Canada is recognized as a leader in environmentally sound mining technology, and increasing the Thunder Bay area is one of our countries centres for mining excellence. The Chinese are not only interested in investing in mineral resources critical to their country, they are also interested in the mining technology as well.

This afternoon the press met up with the delegation after they had a brief tour of Historic Old Fort William. Following a tight schedule their last stop would be a quick visit to the local Bombardier plant. Richard Pohler mentioned with the addition of the Toronto Street Car contract, our city’s plant will be in a position to market a 21st century product worldwide. Confederation College Aviation program also caught the eye of some members of the delegation. In past years the Chinese have sent students through the aviation program, and they expressed interest in sending more students in the future.

The many business people who made contact with the delegation plan to follow up their conversations with the right people with the Chinese trade Consul. Vice Consul General Lei Zhigang said that these visits help to establish a level of trust between possible business partners and it is time to build on this relationship. China has an impressive growth rate and is a country with increasing consumerism. Peace and political stability at home will be good as long as the can continue to provide the jobs and quality of life that their people deserve. This means they will need resource materials to continue to drive their economy in the future.

Zhu Taoying Consul General of P. R. China in Toronto

The Chinese are interested in many things, and in the world of possibilities we don’t know which door will open, but I do know if they were not asked to come to Thunder Bay, there would be fewer possibilities for us to develop together. In a country which experiences severe earthquakes, softwood lumber could be an export item from our region that could make a difference. A frame home can take more of a shake than a traditional brick dwelling. In western Canada the only improvement in softwood lumber sales involved shipments to China.

In a world of possibilities I don’t know which certain realities will come first from this visit we just don’t know which door of opportunity will open first. By having the delegation visit at least there are more possibilities than there was last week. Nick Zeng, China Mining Association

Story By
    Bert Rowson
Photos By:
    Patte Foreman
Lake Superior News