Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jun 29/98) - The NWT and the People's Republic of China have built the foundation for what could be a series of joint- ventures.

During last week's trade mission to China, GNWT Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Manitok Thompson signed a letter of understanding with the China Heilongjiang International Project and Technical Co-operation Group Corporation.

The NWT Chamber of Commerce worked with the GNWT Department of Resources Wildlife and Economic Development on promoting Northern goods and services to Chinese business communities in the cities of Harbin and Beijing.

Delegates promoted the North's natural resources industry, as well as construction, engineering and power generation sectors.

"This visit opened our eyes to a different culture and range of business opportunities as well as providing our Chinese hosts with new information on doing business in the NWT, Thompson said.

"This trade mission has opened doors to potential investment in the NWT."

The letter promotes co-operation between the NWT and the group in developing business opportunities.

During the eight-day trip, Thompson was able to create interest in the Eastern Arctic fur and fish industries.

The China Heilongjiang group showed interest in processing Arctic char eggs and were also interested in Eastern Arctic fur samples, particularly Arctic fox, the chamber said.

As part of a plan to develop a mink farm, Han Shoude, president of the China Heilongjiang group will visit Yellowknife next month. The office will be used to investigate other possible joint- ventures.

Chinese representatives may also visit Yellowknife during Prospects North later this year.

NWT Chamber of Commerce president J. Andrew Nelson said NWT business and government, by working as a team, were able to give the North a higher profile, greater credibility and generate greater interest among Chinese businesses.

Other highlights of the trip were;

*Heilongjiang Power Corp. representatives will visit the NWT on their next trip to Canada.

*The Heilongjiang group is interested in sharing their technical expertise with the NWT Power Corp., especially on thermal power generation.

*The Heilongjiang group accepted an invitation to visit Prospects North in September.

*The Heilongjiang group is interested in the Canada village concept done in Russia a few years ago.

*Heilongjiang officials showed interest in design and building methods related to high-end housing.