Oct 28, 2013

Largest Ever Vancouver-Led Business and Cultural Mission to China Set for November

Delegation to Travel to Four Cities to Solidify Business Partnerships and Enhance Cultural Ties

The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) announced on October 11th, 2013 that Mayor Gregor Robertson will lead the largest-ever Vancouver-led business and cultural mission to China. Senior executives representing more than 18 companies in Vancouver’s creative, clean tech + green urban solutions, information technology, life sciences, tourism and arts & culture sectors, including PFS Senior Partner, Greg Smallenberg, will join Mayor Robertson, as well as 130 Chinese-Canadian community leaders representing Vancouver’s long-standing Sister City ties with Guangzhou.

The delegation will visit Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong from November 4-12, 2013 with the goal of attracting investment to Vancouver, promoting deeper cultural ties and building long-term strategic partnerships with one of Canada’s most important trading partners.

“This mission will serve to strengthen existing relationships and forge new relationships between a number of exceptional Vancouver firms and their partners and markets in China,” said VEC CEO Ian McKay. “Through targeted meetings and strategic investment forums on the ground in four cities, each delegate company is investing in our ability to connect them to meaningful business opportunities. We are confident this mission will create long lasting economic benefits, not only for them but for the City as well.”

Greg Smallenberg, Senior Partner, PFS Studio

“We are proud of the City of Vancouver’s accomplishments in urban planning, public realm design and general livability, something PFS Studio has been a significant contributor to in our 30 years of practice in Vancouver. It is this type of Vancouver- focused trade mission that we believe will associate our firm with some the exemplary work we have been responsible for delivering. We are keenly aware of the Chinese interest in better city building and Vancouver is very much on the radar of many in our client base there.”