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)