VICTORIA, BC — Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin leaves this weekend to lead an economic and friendship delegation to China.
 
“Victoria has had close relations with China for decades, as demonstrated by our 30-year Twin City relationship with Suzhou,” says Mayor Fortin. “Victoria is a gateway to Asia and it’s essential that we continue to foster opportunities around culture, education, business and tourism.”
 
The two week mission will pay visits to Shanghai, Suzhou, Changsha, and Nanning. During the visit, Mayor Fortin will re-dedicate to our Twin City agreement with Suzhou at a ceremony on April 22. The Mayor will also be present for the opening of the Shanghai World Expo on May 1.
 
The delegation joining Mayor Fortin includes representatives from the business, tourism, and education sectors within Greater Victoria. 
 
Mayor Fortin will have selected opportunities to report back on the progress of the trip. Trip itinerary and full list of delegates is attached.
 
The delegation returns to Victoria on May 2. 

ITINERARY: CITY OF VICTORIA MISSION TO CHINA – April 19th
 – May 2nd
, 2010
 
APRIL 19, 2010: ARRIVE IN SHANGHAI
 
APRIL 20 - 21, 2010: - SHANGHAI
·  Canadian Consulate and BC Trade & Investment Office
·  Roundtable Discussion on Chinese Tourism Industry Development
·  Meeting with Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board
·  Welcome Reception at Official Residence of Consul General
·  Canada China Business Council
·  Site Visits
 
APRIL 22 – 24, 2010: SUZHOU
·  Welcome banquet – 30th
 anniversary celebration of Twin City relationship, signing
ceremony
·  Meeting with Mayor of Suzhou
 
 ** Suzhou itinerary designed by Twin City, details to be confirmed
 
** media call back opportunity – April 22, 4:00 to 5:00pm PST
 
APRIL 25, 2010: TRAVEL
 
APRIL 26 – 27, 2010: CHANGSHA
·  Hunan Normal University
·  Changsha University
·  Changsha Tourism Bureau, Science and Technology Bureau and Concerned Enterprises
·  Site visits: Hunan Museum, Yuelu Academy, Aiwan Pavilion
·  Meeting with City Leader
·  Changsha Economic and Technical Zone
·  Reception
 
**media call back opportunity – April 27, 4:00 to 5:00pm PST
 
 
APRIL 28 - 29, 2010:  NANNING
·  Meeting with Mayor
·  Meeting with China – ASEAN Secretariat in charge of annual China ASEAN Expo
·  Tour of High Tech Zone
·  Tour of Hi Tech Companies
·  Meeting with Nanning Tourism Bureau
·  Meeting Education Bureau and School Masters
·  Reception
 
APRIL 30, May 1, 2010:  SHANGHAI
·  Expo Official Opening Event 
·  Canadian Pavilion Tour
·  Reception
 
MAY 2, 2010: Depart Shanghai to Vancouver
 
** itinerary may be subject to change