Richmond Hill - October 18, 2009
BY ADAM MC LEAN, yorkregion.com

Mayor and councillor part of China trade mission

Mayor Dave Barrow and a hurricane will hit China next May!

No, this is not some kooky mystic's prediction, but rather a preview to next year's trade mission organized by the Confederation of Greater Toronto Chinese Business Association.

Richmond Hill's mayor will be accompanied by Mississauga Mayor "Hurricane" Hazel McCallion, York Region chairperson CEO Bill Fisch and Thornhill Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco for a 10-day trade mission to the world's largest economy.

The announcement was made in Richmond Hill council chambers Friday morning by members of the business association.

Mission stops will include Shanghai and a couple days spent in the Canada pavillion at World Expo 2010, Beijing for networking sessions and development seminars with sister/partner cities and then on to Hong Kong and further networking sessions with local business associations.

"This is about building new relationships with businesses and suppliers in China for the town of Richmond Hill and the GTA. As I see it, opportunities in China are endless for Richmond Hill businesses and this trip will be a great opportunity to build and strengthen relations," Mr. Barrow said.

It will be his first trip to mainland China, but being accompanied by Ms McCallion - a veteran of nine previous China trips, Mr. Barrow will be in good company.

"Since my first trip in 1982, the progress there is astronomical and so much has changed," Ms McCallion said.

"It is time for Canada to change our approach of sometimes placing all our eggs in one basket of trade with the States. It is time to look abroad and across the Pacific and I hope many local comapanies can join us," Ms McCallion added.

The full package for each Canadian delegate travelling to China costs $6,800.

For more information contact the Richmond Hill Markham Chinese Business Association via website www.rhmcba.ca or call 905-731-8806.

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