RCI FirstPathway Weblog

Beijing China, December 4, 2009- The Canada China Resource Development Foundation (CCRDF), a new non-profit business association intended to foster increased natural resource/energy sector trade and investment between the two countries, was launched at an official ceremony Wednesday at the compound of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).

RCI Capital Group Inc. is the founding incorporator of the CCRDF. Serving amongst founding directors are RCI Capital Group Inc. President John Park  and RCI Bank President, the Honourable John Reynolds.  Seán Riley, RCI FPP Vice President – Marketing, serves as Secretary to the foundation.  RCIFirstPathway Partners is a proud to be an affiliate company of RCI Capital Group Inc.

“The launch of the CCRDF comes at a time when Canada and China are entering a new era of closer relations and cooperation. That includes sharing the abundance of natural resources our two countries enjoy, and working together so that such resources are responsibly developed in adherence to our respective laws and environmental concerns,” reinforced Stockwell Day, Canada`s Minister of International Trade, as he addressed a crowd of Chinese and Canadian officials, dignitaries and business leaders. Other notable attendees included former Chinese ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Mei Ping and his Canadian counterpart former Canadian ambassador, Howard Balloch.

The CCRDF will utilize its member network to promote awareness and better understanding of Canada’s importance as a resource powerhouse, its favorable environment for foreign direct investment from China into the resource and energy sector, developing a transparent understanding of laws and regulations governing foreign investment in Canada, as well as investment opportunities in specific projects.

Upcoming events in early 2010 include a membership drive in both countries, the addition of several more prominent directors, a China visit by Canada’s Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo – his first official visit abroad – followed by a 50-member Aboriginal Team Canada business mission to China and a visit to Canada by a high-profile Chinese natural resource delegation.

Last week RCI FirstPathway Partners was honored to host the president of Coryo, one of the largest and most respected Korean immigration firms. Her associates included Mr. Kim and Ms. Oh.

During their trip our guests were able to tour the Aloft Hotel, the Pabst Redevelopment, Miller Park, the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce (MMAC) and City Hall. While visiting City Hall, our guests had the pleasure of meeting with Head of City Development, Patrick G. Walsh and City Commissioner, Rocky Marcoux to discuss Milwaukee’s vibrant investment environment. City representatives also voiced their willingness to help facilitate Korean and other foreign investment throughout the area.

We were honored to have such agreeable and accomplished guests. We look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Mrs. Kim and Coryo.

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On Wednesday April, 1^st 2009 Zhang Yingxin, Deputy Director General, of the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce for the Peoples Republic of China (CIPA), was proud to announce the successful results yielded by its 2007 memorandum of understanding with Wisconsin. The CIPA’s charge is to engage the Chinese investment promotion process through foreign direct investment both in and from China.

In her recent letter to Wisconsin Department of Commerce Secretary Leinenkugel, Yingxin commented on the importance of “coordinating international efforts and enhancing cooperation” especially in times of economic turmoil. Yingxin also cited ties between allies, like Wisconsin and China, as vital in such times. China is Wisconsin’s third largest trading partner.

Later this month Governor Doyle, Secretary Leinenkugel, and our own Bob Kraft will meet with the CIPA delegation to discuss investment synergies and perform local field visits. The state of Wisconsin is honored to host such an influential and cooperative economic partner.