Ottawa announced on Monday a funding of 3 million Canadian
dollars (US$2.9 million) to establish the B.C.-Canada-Pavilion in
Beijing to showcase Canada's business, culture and tourism during
the 2008 Summer Olympics.
"The B.C.-Canada Pavilion will be a tremendous opportunity to
promote Canadian excellence and culture to China and the world, and
to bring together decision markers and experts from strategic
sectors of the Canadian and Chinese economies," said David Emerson,
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific
Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, in a statement
released Monday.
"This will strengthen partnerships and enhance investment and
trade opportunities in Asia."
The plan to build the B.C.-Canada-Pavilion was unveiled first in
November 2006 by Premier Gordon Campbell of the province of British
Columbia (B.C.), where the 2010 Winter Olympics will take
place.
The pavilion's design will feature a striking series of wood
arcs representing Canada's 10 provinces and three territories,
located in the center of Beijing. The wooden arcs represent one of
British Columbia's key industries, forestry. The perforated zinc
and aluminum between the arcs will shine at night, representing the
vastness of Canada stretching from coast to coast.
The pavilion will operate from May 1 to September 18, 2008. Part
of the facility will be open to the public and enable visitors to
experience Canada's natural beauty, excellence and culture through
a series of exhibitions.
It is the result of a partnership between the B.C. government,
the Canadian government and the private sector. All three partners
are contributing funding.
The Vancouver Olympics will be held from Feb. 12 to 28, 2010,
while the Paralympic Games will run from March 12 to 21.
(Xinhua News Agency January 29, 2008)