News release

Province Hosts Guangdong Government and Business Delegation

Premier's Office

Premier Stephen McNeil welcomes a delegation from Chinas Guangdong province today, Sept. 9, for two days of meetings on how Nova Scotia and Guangdong can continue to collaborate.

Key areas of discussion include air access, education, transportation, culture, seafood, agri-food and tourism. During the visit, the delegation will participate in a business forum and Premier Stephen McNeil will address participants. There will also be discussions about the potential for an exhibit of Chinese artwork to come to Nova Scotia, following the success of a collection of Nova Scotia artists' work in Guangdong.

Nova Scotia signed a twinning agreement with Guangdong province in November 2018. Premier McNeil later visited the Chinese province in May 2019 to discuss mutually beneficial opportunities.

"We are pleased to welcome the delegation and build on our success, said Premier McNeil. This visit demonstrates the commitment of the province of Guangdong to fostering and expanding the Nova Scotia-Guangdong relationship."

Quick Facts:

  • China is the second largest destination for Nova Scotia with exports valued at $793 million last year
  • exports from Nova Scotia include fish and seafood, wild blueberries, wood pulp, tidal, energy and mineral resources
  • the work of Maud Lewis and six contemporary Nova Scotia female artists are currently on display at the Guangdong Museum of Art. So far, 45,000 visitors have viewed the collection
  • more Chinese students are studying at Nova Scotia universities every year. Between 2013 and 2018 the number increased by 36 per cent to 3,453

Additional Resources:

Since the Nova Scotia - China Strategy was introduced in 2016, Nova Scotia has also signed friendship agreements with both Shandong and Fujian provinces. For more information on the strategy, visit: https://novascotia.ca/china/