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Agri-trade mission heading for China

An Abbotsford trade delegation is heading to China on Tuesday morning. Twenty representatives from several local agri-businesses will join Abbotsford Mayor George Peary and two city staff members – Jay Teichroeb and Ken Baerg from the economic development department – on the 10-day trip (May 10-19) which will see the group tour Beijing and Shanghai. “It’s a chance to learn about the economic opportunities in China for our agri-business sector,” explained Baerg.

An Abbotsford trade delegation is heading to China on Tuesday morning.

Twenty representatives from several local agri-businesses will join Abbotsford Mayor George Peary and two city staff members – Jay Teichroeb and Ken Baerg from the economic development department – on the 10-day trip (May 10-19) which will see the group tour Beijing and Shanghai.

“It’s a chance to learn about the economic opportunities in China for our agri-business sector,” explained Baerg.

China is B.C.’s second largest trading partner, after the U.S.

“We wanted to keep it (the delegation) focused ... that’s why we’re concentrating on agriculture. If you get too broad a scope, nothing is accomplished,” said Baerg.

He believes this is an opportunity for people to understand how to do business in China.

Funds from B.C.’s Asia-Pacific Initiative ($16,000) will cover the cost of sending Peary and city staff. However, the city is providing $30,000 from its economic development budget to cover other costs including organization, networking and presentations.

Baerg said the Asia-Pacific Initiative was developed to allow local government to assist businesses develop and explore opportunities in the region, so the funding is being well spent.

Some of the local businesses represented on the trade mission include The Nutriva Group, Mt. Lehman Wineries, Rossdown Farms, as well as delegates from the local chamber, University of the Fraser Valley and Tourism Abbotsford.



Kevin Mills

About the Author: Kevin Mills

I have been a member of the media for the past 34 years and became editor of the Mission Record in February of 2015.
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