Economic Development Office

MEMORANDUM

TO: Mayor & Council

FROM: Ted Northcott

Business Development Officer, ext 6590

DATE: September 27, 2005

SUBJECT: Follow Up Regarding:

Markham’s Participation in Premier’s Mission to China

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Based on the 3 hour briefing session I attended this morning along with about 100 attendees, I am pleased to advise you of the following information.

1 )Other Municipalities Invited:

It seems that Sault St. Marie, Vaughan, Stratford and Durham have also been invited to participate in the Mission.

2) Costs:

I was told the mission fee of $1,050/city , per person is not negotiable and it is based on the Federal Government’s approach.

Therefore, the financial calculations as per the report remain unchanged.

3 ) Program:

a)Please find attached a preliminary agenda for the mission. It is expected to be updated on a regular basis. Many of the speakers today emphasized why you should visit China now e.g. 9% plus rate of growth, non-state sector now accounts for 65% of the GDP, numerous opportunities etc.

b)There will be sectoral sessions/workshops, and investment round tables which will be attended by the Premier and Minister and focussed on information and communication technologies and automotive – this is a new component to the mission and we were encouraged to attend.

c)At the session I met Stephen Wong of ESM Markham – due to timing he will not be joining this trip but possibly future trips. I also met with Mr. Johnson Jia, a Markham resident who is a partner in a 40 person law firm in Beijing – Zhong Zhao Law Firm. He confirmed that he could set up meeting sessions for us with his partners and possibly businesses, to promote Markham as a possible investment location. He is also President of the International Center for Chinese Affairs.

d) Since last weeks Committee meeting, I have talked with our alliance partners/reps here in Markham - Zhongguancun Science Park and the City of Wuhan (Peak Garden Developments in Markham). Both are very keen to help us customize our trip by setting up audiences with government and businesses to promote Markham as a target for foreign direct investment and trade opportunities.

4) Mission Targets:

The mission is targeting 10 sectors including life sciences, IT, architecture, education, automotive and the environment. Given our ongoing involvement as a founding partner in the YORKbiotech Regional Innovation Network, there may exist opportunities for us to explore in the life science sector.

The Ministry is confident that they will achieve their target of about 100 attendees.

5) Launch:

There will be a launch event in October e.g. one week before the departure date, for those going on the mission.

6) Deadline:

The deadline for registration for the trip is Friday, October 7, 2005.