Sunrise Group assists Chinese delegation exploring Atlantic Canada opportunities

Atlantic Canada’s ocean technology sector welcomed a weeklong visit by Chinese entrepreneurs, researchers and educators as an opportunity to do business in the world’s second largest economy.  Sunrise Consulting, as government’s consultant for this incoming delegation, was working hard on preparation, reception, coordination as well as translation and interpretation for the visit. All the delegation members were deeply impressed by the professional services and thoughtful arrangement provided by Sunrise.

The 26-member delegation arrived on June 1, and was on a familiarization tour to explore development potential for China’s burgeoning ocean industry. For their Atlantic Canadian hosts, this incoming trade mission is a chance to showcase the region’s ocean technology expertise and make contacts with potential buyers, trade partners and researchers, with an eye toward collaborating on research, increasing their export sales, and expanding their international presence.

Many experts see a booming future for China’s ocean technology sector. By the end of 2020, the gross domestic product of China’s marine industries, including offshore oil and gas exploration, marine transport, coastal tourism, fisheries and shipbuilding, is expected to exceed $814 billion U.S., according to China’s Ocean Development Report for 2011.

The delegates visited Atlantic Canada early June were from two of China’s marine economic zones – Guangdong and Shandong – as well as from the region of Shanghai, and represent a cross-section of universities and research institutes, as well as private sector companies. Their six-day tour, which ended June 8, included meetings and presentations in all four Atlantic Provinces that demonstrated the region’s capabilities and resources in the ocean technology sector. The delegation visited major research centres in St. John’s and Holyrood, in Newfoundland and Labrador; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint Andrews, New Brunswick; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. They also attended Ocean Week in Halifax, NS. Atlantic Canadian ocean technology companies were arranged to meet with the delegation to explore business and development opportunities.