Vice Governor Song Hai met with Sheryl Kennedy, Deputy Governor of Bank of Canada, at provincial hall on May 27, 2008.

    Song made a briefing to the visiting guests regarding social, economic and financial industry development in the province.

    “Both Guangdong provincial party committee and provincial government places great importance on financial industry. They will spare no effort to develop Guangdong into a strong financial province from a large financial province by 2010 and make Guangzhou and Shenzhen into regional financial centers characterized by bringing along the province, connecting Hong Kong and Macau, covering south China, and targeting South East Asia.

    “There are a total of 146 foreign financial institutes which have established their presence in Guangdong to date including two Canadian banks, Bank of Nova Scotia and BMO Bank of Montreal respectively.

    “We welcome more Canadian financial institutes to set up their presence in Guangdong such as regional head office, local branch, data service center, R&D center and training center.”

    Kennedy expressed her sympathy and condolences to the severe casualties and economic loss caused by the massive earthquake in Sichuan.

    She also spoke highly of the timely disaster information release by Chinese government which has enabled Canadian people and Canadian government to participate in disaster relief quickly.

    Kennedy also said Canada is willing to be involved in the overall financial industry planning in the province.

    Song extended his sincere gratitude to Kennedy for Canadian humanitarian aid and support to the earthquake-stricken areas.

    Song said he actively supports Canadian side’s intention to expand cooperation with Guangdong in financial area.