Historic MOU Signing Kicks Off
Collaborative Partnership Between
Canadian and Chinese Equestrian Industries
PHOTO - Equine Canada President, Al Patterson, and China Horse Industry Association President, Jia Youling, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 30, 2016 in Beijing, CHI to kick off a collaborative partnership that will provide the opportunity to strengthen both Canada and China's equestrian industry on a global scale. CQHA Vice-President, Haidee Landry appears in the back row at the left.
Beijing, China, March 31, 2016 - During a nationally-televised meeting in Beijing, CHI, delegates from Equine Canada (EC) industry associations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China Horse Industry Association (CHIA) for the purposes of working together, and ultimately opening the borders for trading horses and knowledge, between the two countries.
"I am truly honoured to witness Canada and China forging this important relationship," said Al Patterson, President of Equine Canada. "I think it is great we made this big step to move forward. This future partnership provides a valuable opportunity to both Canada and China through our breeders and educators."
Patterson added, "The EC industry organization affiliates have joined forces with the federation to develop stronger partnerships to ensure a strengthened vision for international trade."
The Canadian delegation that travelled to China included Darryl Kaplan from Standardbred Canada, Haidee Landry from the Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA), Grant Watson from the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) and industry liaison, Hao Zhang.
Professor Jia Youling, President of the CHIA, was optimistic about the collaboration, stating, "As one of the leading countries in the world for horses, Canada has produced many of the best horses. I am confident we can build a long relationship, built on mutual benefits."
Canadian Senator, Victor Oh, who was in Beijing for the historic meeting, spoke about the larger impacts of the signing. "Today, we are signing this MOU to grow the equine industries in both countries. I look forward to the role that equine will play in strengthening the trade relationship between Canada and China."
In addition to Senator Oh, Canada was represented by senior officials from the Canadian Embassy in China. Canadian and Chinese delegates, and government officials, will continue to meet and collaborate on the next steps to move this new relationship forward in the coming months.
Haidee Landry, Vice President of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association and EC Board member, summed up the importance of the significant day by saying, "I'm proud to be part of Equine Canada's initiatives to move our industry forward by forging a new partnership with the China Horse Industry Association. The Canadian Quarter Horse Association is pleased to be working with Equine Canada on this important trade mission."
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ADDITIONAL QUOTES
"The Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society is honoured to be part of this historic MOU signing between Equine Canada and the China Horse Industry Association. The friendship and bonds made between both associations and other invited industry leaders will provide the base for a long-term relationship that will benefit both countries. The respect shown to the Canadian Thoroughbred breeding industry and their desire to do business with the home of Northern Dancer was communicated throughout our meetings. Producers of all types of Canadian-bred horses will benefit from this new partnership."
- Grant Watson, Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) President
"Standardbred Canada was absolutely honoured to be part of this historic trip. China has the largest population in the world, and the horse industry is clearly on the cusp of a major boom. We have met with breeders, horse people, and many top-level officials in the Chinese horse industry. Billions of dollars of investment will be made into the business of horses in China, and it bodes well for Canada, the Canadian horse, and the relationship between our two countries."
- Darryl Kaplan, Standardbred Canada Representative
PHOTO - Officials and delegates from China and Canada during the opening remarks for the MOU signing.
PHOTO -Canadian Senator Victor Oh addresses the Canadian and Chinese delegates prior to the MOU signing.CQHA Vice-President, Haidee Landry appears at the right.
ALL PHOTO CREDITS - China Horse Industry Association (CHIA)
Equine Canada Media Contact:Jessie Christie, [email protected]