Representatives from Vancouver’s Chinese Consulate stopped in Hope on Monday to learn about local business opportunities.
Commercial counsellor Yuan Zhanling and Feng Zhu, vice-consul of the economic and commercial office, were joined by several local business leaders to discuss emerging market opportunities and potential projects that could be mutually beneficial in the future.
Advantage Hope executive director Tyler Mattheis pointed out that Hope’s location presents several key opportunities related to resources, tourism and new development.
Bruce Northcote, a regional geologist with the B.C. Ministry of Energy and Mines, informed the group that people are starting to revive old mining projects in the area, which is rich in gold, silver, copper, nickel and platinum. Many of these initiatives are in the beginning stages, he added, which means they are open for investments.
A key focus of the meeting was on new development opportunities. Scott Misumi, director of community development in Hope, pointed out there are several large parcels of land available in the Kawkawa Lake and north Hope areas, as well as development potential in the Silver Creek-Flood Hope region.
Zhanling said there are Chinese companies interested in building light industrial parks in B.C. to manufacture goods to export back to China. He noted that Hope’s location and cheaper land costs compared to other areas in the Lower Mainland would be attractive for investors. These factories would employ local workers and use local resources, said Zhanling, adding that potential exports include food processing, health and forestry products.
Advantage Hope is planning to put together a portfolio of potential development opportunities in collaboration with local real estate agencies. In addition, Northcote will be following up with Zhanling about mining opportunities.