“Wonderful!!…Gyeonggi Province!”
(Published May 17, 2012)

Representatives from British Columbia, Canada, visit Gyeonggi Province, planning to increase exchanges and trade relations

◇ Governor Kim Moon-soo chats with the Premier of BC, Canada. ⓒ G-News Plus

Representatives from British Columbia (BC), Canada, a sister region of Gyeonggi Province, visit Gyeonggi Province on May 17^th, promising an increase in cooperative exchanges.

At 6pm on May 17^th, Gyeonggi Province welcomed Canadian representatives from British Columbia to the Gyeonggi Small & Medium Business Center at a reception attended by entrepreneurs from related businesses.

Forty representatives from BC, led by Christy Clark, the Premier of British Columbia, visited Gyeonggi Province, reciprocating a visit made by provincial representatives to BC in April of 2011.

Both parties had the opportunity to discuss matters regarding the economy with the CEOs of local companies. Of particular note, the Gyeonggi Urban Innovation Corporation and the BC Ministry of Forests agreed to undertake ‘Joint Research and Experimental Business on Low Energy Wooden Housing’ and to further increase exchange and extend business relations for economic revitalization.

Meanwhile, Gyeonggi Province proclaimed the day of the representatives’ visit as ‘BC Day’ and raised the BC provincial flag at the government complex. Governor Kim Moon-soo thanked Premier Clark for her continuous support and cooperation, and presented her with a certificate of honorary citizenship on behalf of the province.

◇ Governor Kim Moon-soo poses for a commemorative photograph with the BC flag in the background after the presentation of an honorary citizenship certificate to Premier Clark. ⓒ G-News Plus

Governor Kim said, “After establishing the sisterhood relationship in 2008, Gyeonggi and British Columbia have cooperated in the marine industry, new reusable energy sector, youth and governmental official exchanges, and various other fields. I thank you on behalf of the 12 million residents of Gyeonggi.” He continued, “I believe the synergistic effect of British Columbia’s high technology and natural resources, and Gyeonggi’s active and unique company DNA will be great, and we can expect international success.”

The Premier and representatives enjoyed a samulnori performance by students of the Suwon Foreign Language High School, which was followed by a speech by Premier Clark and a commemorative photograph. The BC representatives toured the facilities of Gwanggyo Techno Valley before enjoying a banquet at the Gyeonggi Small & Medium Business Center.

Earlier that day, the representatives had been guided to Haenggung Palace of Hwaseong where the Taejang High School club performed a traditional Chuitadae welcoming performance, and the 24^th Class of the Martial Arts Preservation Society gave a demonstration of the martial arts of the Joseon Dynasty at Sinpungnu Gate, the special stage of Haenggung Palace, in what was an ideal opportunity to strengthen ties and showcase the great tourism resources of Gyeonggi Province.

The representatives, watching a traditional Korean performance for the first time, praised the performers.

◇ BC representatives at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace. ⓒ G-News Plus / Yu Je-hun.

Approximately twenty group leaders and Canadian business people accompanied the BC representatives on their tour, where they witnessed the country’s growth and development and learned about the progress made so far.

A provincial official stated, “Gyeonggi Province and BC have enjoyed a sister relationship since May of 2008, and have cooperated in various fields such as boat shows, the marine industry, the new reusable energy sector, the digital contents industry, and youth and government official exchanges.” The official added, “We hope that interaction will increase between the two regions after the visit of the BC representatives to Gyeonggi.”

British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province, and Victoria and Vancouver are its major cities. Some 50,000 Korean-Canadians currently live in British Columbia.

◇ Premier Clark and her team visit the Suwon Foreign Language High School. ⓒ G-News Plus

ⓒ G-News Plus / Chun Gyeong-nam / chun0403@kg21.net

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201205171356287055C048&s_code=C048