President Paul DesBarres said participants can use the opportunity as a trade mission and the chamber can help arrange relevant contacts but people can also go for leisure. They’re currently gauging interest for the delegation, which departs Nov. 12.
“We’re not asking people to sign up for the trip right now,” DesBarres said. “We want people who are interested to let us know.”
There’s an information session scheduled for the Old Orchard Inn May 31 at 5:30 p.m. to share details and logistics about the trip and to answer questions. From there, people can decide whether or not to go.
“This is the first time we’ve offered it here in the Valley, I believe the first time in Nova Scotia,” DesBarres said.
Similar trips have been offered in other areas of Canada and the US. DesBarres said it’s “a proven concept” that they wanted to bring to the Valley. He said there are already businesses here involved in enterprise with China, especially wineries and agricultural organizations. The chamber of commerce believes the potential exists for more.
“This is an opportunity for them to go over, get their feet wet, put their toe in to see what the opportunities might be,” DesBarres said.
He said the price is reasonable at $2,299 for members and this “lowers the barrier.” The delegation leaves from Toronto and participants have to arrange their own way there. A non-member rate will be offered for people who aren’t part of the chamber of commerce.
“It’s unbelievable what you’re getting for that rate,” DesBarres said.
Executive director Judy Rafuse said she’s heard about this initiative for a few years at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce conference she attends.
“Everyone within our chamber organization that has gone, they say it’s a fantastic trip,” Rafuse said. “Everything is top-notch and it’s very well organized. The tour guides are English speaking, there are no language barriers.”
Did you know?
- An international travel company that sponsors the Canadian Chamber of Commerce executive council, Citslinc, has been offering the China trips for about 10 years.
- Some chambers of commerce have already sent several delegations.
- The AVCC delegation leaves from Toronto Nov. 12 for 11 days. The trip includes visits to four major cities in China.
President Paul DesBarres said participants can use the opportunity as a trade mission and the chamber can help arrange relevant contacts but people can also go for leisure. They’re currently gauging interest for the delegation, which departs Nov. 12.
“We’re not asking people to sign up for the trip right now,” DesBarres said. “We want people who are interested to let us know.”
There’s an information session scheduled for the Old Orchard Inn May 31 at 5:30 p.m. to share details and logistics about the trip and to answer questions. From there, people can decide whether or not to go.
“This is the first time we’ve offered it here in the Valley, I believe the first time in Nova Scotia,” DesBarres said.
Similar trips have been offered in other areas of Canada and the US. DesBarres said it’s “a proven concept” that they wanted to bring to the Valley. He said there are already businesses here involved in enterprise with China, especially wineries and agricultural organizations. The chamber of commerce believes the potential exists for more.
“This is an opportunity for them to go over, get their feet wet, put their toe in to see what the opportunities might be,” DesBarres said.
He said the price is reasonable at $2,299 for members and this “lowers the barrier.” The delegation leaves from Toronto and participants have to arrange their own way there. A non-member rate will be offered for people who aren’t part of the chamber of commerce.
“It’s unbelievable what you’re getting for that rate,” DesBarres said.
Executive director Judy Rafuse said she’s heard about this initiative for a few years at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce conference she attends.
“Everyone within our chamber organization that has gone, they say it’s a fantastic trip,” Rafuse said. “Everything is top-notch and it’s very well organized. The tour guides are English speaking, there are no language barriers.”
Did you know?
- An international travel company that sponsors the Canadian Chamber of Commerce executive council, Citslinc, has been offering the China trips for about 10 years.
- Some chambers of commerce have already sent several delegations.
- The AVCC delegation leaves from Toronto Nov. 12 for 11 days. The trip includes visits to four major cities in China.
