Official Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between BC Innovation Council and the People’s Republic of China

Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell

Vancouver
Friday, March 3, 2006

Check against delivery

I am pleased to be here today on such an auspicious occasion and on behalf of the Province of British Columbia, I am delighted to welcome Deputy Director General Ma and his delegation. And I want to thank the BC Innovation Council for forging what I am certain is a very strategic alliance.

British Columbia is a vibrant, growing hub of research, innovation and commerce. Revenue from B.C.’s technology industry is growing, and with employment on the rise, the technology industry in B.C. is poised for even greater success. This is certainly an opportune time to establish new collaborations with the People’s Republic of China.

The Premier’s goal is to establish B.C. as one of the world’s top 10 technology centres, and we are well on our way to making this happen. We have committed more than $1 billion to research and innovation initiatives in B.C. since 2001. This has leveraged over $600 million in additional funding from other sources. This proves that our government is committed to investing in science and technology. We know it is essential for the growth of a knowledge-based economy and society.

As B.C.’s technology sectors grow at an increasingly rapid rate, it is crucial that we build on our linkages to the global innovation economy. Strategic alliances with strong international partners such as China will help British Columbia advance towards a better future.

Today’s Memorandum of Understanding is an important opportunity. It extends the reach of B.C.'s world-class innovation industry into one of the most promising markets in the world. Working together – governments and businesses – we can create an environment that nurtures and supports our growing technology sector and ultimately benefits us all.

Thank you.