Ontario premier looks to leverage China visit into jobs

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne concluded her third visit to China in Shenzhen, producing new agreements that she said will create jobs, fuel economic growth and enhance research collaboration.

On Dec 1, the premier met with representatives of BYD, the world’s largest electric-vehicle manufacturer, at the company’s headquarters.

BYD is planning a major expansion into the Ontario market with its zero-emissions commercial and transit vehicles, including auto assembly and finishing operations.

The premier also visited the headquarters of Huawei, a major Chinese telecommunications company that employs more than 700 people in Ontario. Huawei is partnering with Seneca College to deliver training programs in Huawei Enterprise products and solutions designed for Canadians.

After a signing ceremony announcing more than $11 million in new investments with the potential to create jobs in Ontario, the premier delivered a keynote speech on the importance of Ontario’s economic and innovation partnerships with China.

“At a time of global change and uncertainty, seeking new opportunities for growth, diversifying trade and strengthening international partnerships are vital to Ontario’s economy. That’s why missions like this one are so important,” she said.

“Connecting Ontario companies with the global market and setting the stage for collaboration is good for their businesses and good for Ontario. The partnerships forged on this mission and my previous two missions to China are proof of how much we can achieve when we work together,” Wynne said.

The premier also met with representatives of the world’s largest genomics organization, the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI), to discuss the company's collaboration with the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, part of Ontario's Sinai Health System, on the development of a genomics-based diagnostic test for the early identification of women at risk for delivering premature babies and other pregnancy complications.

While meeting Shenzhen Mayor Chen Rugui, the two sides discussed opportunities for Ontario and Shenzhen to work together in postsecondary education, water management and technology.

Leading the Ontario business and academic delegates, the premier made stops in Beijing, Nanjing, Chongqing and Shenzhen, yielding nearly $1.9 billion in new agreements with China.

“China is an important and long-term partner for Ontario in trade development, investment attraction and collaboration in science and technology,” said Michael Chan, minister of international trade, who joined the premier’s trip to China.

“The successful signings from this mission reinforce Ontario’s position as a top trading economy that will help create more jobs and economic opportunities across our province,” he said.

renali@chinadailyusa.com