ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

Date: 15 February, 2000
Author/Local: J.Lehto/5741
RTS No. 01296
CC File No. 1254

Council: February 22, 2000

TO:	Vancouver City Council
FROM:	Manager, Council Support Services
SUBJECT:	Authority to Travel to China to take part in Vancouver Economic Development Commission's Trade Mission to Hong Kong & Southern China, March 16 - 22, 2000

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council authorize Councillor Lynne Kennedy, as a liaison member of the Vancouver Economic Development Commission, to travel to Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangzhou to participate in Vancouver Economic Development Commission's Trade Mission at a cost of $4,085.00.

CITY MANAGER'S COMMENTS

The City Manager submits the recommendation for Council's CONSIDERATION.

COUNCIL POLICY

Council's travel policy, approved July 31, 1992, requires Council approval for travel outside Canada.

PURPOSE

This report requests approval for Councillor Kennedy to travel to Hong Kong and Southern China to participate in the Economic Development Commission's Team-Vancouver Trade Mission. Hong Kong has become an attractive option for information technology and services companies to do business in the 21^st Century. VEDC has recognized this attraction and has organized Team-Vancouver's first full scale Trade Mission to Hong Kong and Southern China. The Team's goal is to establish Vancouver as a leader in new technology development and business.

DISCUSSION

Team-Vancouver's mission in Hong Kong will concentrate on the Information Infrastructure Expo & Conference at the new Hong Kong Exhibition and Conference Centre, where the Team-Vancouver Pavilion will occupy up to 400 square feet at which members from the business community will have space to showcase company products and services as well as seek out business opportunities.

Arrangements are also being made for Team-Vancouver members to attend the Canadian Business Forum on Canada IT Capabilities in E-Commerce, Multimedia and Education in nearby Shenzhen and Guangzhou on March 20^th - 22^nd.

The Team-Vancouver mission package price of $3,500 includes return airfare, hotel accommodations, all ground transfers, conference and seminar registration fees and luncheons. The additional cost of $585 includes per diem, miscellaneous and ground transportation costs, as per City policy. As Mayor Philip Owen is unable to participate in the Mission, Councillor Lynne Kennedy will attend as the City of Vancouver's representative.

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(c) 1998 City of Vancouver