| | Dec 13th, 2004
| | | DR. Francis Pang Awarded "Greatest" Chinese Honor
| | | Beijing, China - Dr. Francis Pang, Chairman of the Beijing Concord College of Sino College, was awarded the prestigious "Great Wall Friendship" Award at a reception at the Beijing Hotel last evening. The award is the highest honor bestowed upon a non-Chinese citizen and was presented by the Mayor of Beijing, Wang Qishan. According to the Mayor, the award was given to mark Dr. Pang’s contribution to education in China as well as for his efforts in encouraging dialogue between China and other nations such as Canada.
Invited to the occasion were Canadian business entrepreneurs Brian Flood and Mike Tilley of Saint John, New Brunswick. Mr. Flood commented that, "It was an honor to be present at a ceremony recognizing Dr. Pang’s dedication and years of service. Through the efforts of individuals such as Dr. Pang, Canada as a whole and New Brunswick in particular, are becoming increasingly aware of the tremendous potential a closer business relationship with China represents to our business communities."
Mr. Tilley noted that the bilateral education exchange architected by Dr. Pang with the Province of New Brunswick has led to business opportunities in other sectors. "While entering the Chinese market is not an easy prospect, leaders like Francis are paving the way for Canadian companies" remarked Tilley.
These sentiments were shared by the Canadian Prime Minster, Mr. Paul Martin, who, as keynote speaker at the Canada China Business Council’s annual general meeting and banquet in Toronto, expressed his excitement about the vast opportunities which exist between the two countries. Prime Minister Martin and International Trade Minister Jim Peterson will lead a Canadian mission to China next month. In preparation for that mission, Mr. Tilley was asked to brief the Prime Minister regarding New Brunswick’s activities in China. Tilley said of the exchange,"New Brunswick business will be well represented in January and we look forward to Mr. Martin’s support in securing business in China. The Prime Minister appeared genuinely enthusiastic with our success to date and expressed his optimism that our success will continue next month." |
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