City of Ottawa
OCRI’s Take – Refresh of Ottawa’s economic development strategy
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to present OCRI’s response to the city’s proposed economic development strategy. The strategy sees Ottawa recognized as a competitive global hub for innovative, knowledge-based talent, businesses and organizations. OCRI is committed to the economic development of the city and overall, we agree with the strategic objectives as outlined [...]
OCRI celebrates 25 years at 2009 AGM
On Thursday at OCRI’s Annual General Meeting, Claude Haw, President and CEO, and Robin McIntyre, OCRI Chair, recalled major accomplishments of the past year. The event concluded with a photo montage of some of the most memorable events of the past twenty five years and a special presentation to Denzil Doyle, an enduring personality who has [...]
Hong Kong: The Beat Goes
by Mike Darch, April 16, 2010
I recall the comment by Mark Twain, “Reports of my death are greatly exaggerated”. This phrase definitely applies to Hong Kong. When Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997, many, including me, thought that the glory days of Hong Kong were over. Its importance as a global business centre would [...]
Shenzhen: Our Model Validated
by Mike Darch, Shenzhen – April 13 and 14, 2010
Ottawa has experienced a series of economic tremors since the mid 90’s. The reduction of our government employment during the years that created a zero deficit for Canada, the technology downturn of this century that permanently altered the global supply chains and the recent global financial [...]
Chongqing Rises
By Mike Darch, April 11 and 12, 2010
This is my fourth visit to Chongqing and the magnitude of the city continues to amaze me. Here is an urban area with a population of 32 million, adding 500,000 people a year. It is difficult to comprehend a city of this size, even more difficult to understand [...]
Don’t You Love When a Good Plan Comes Together: Reflecting on One of Those Goose Bump Moments
April 11, 2010 – Beijing
It is early Sunday morning in Beijing, early Saturday evening back home in Ottawa, and I am having one of those goose bump moments that are rare in the world of economic development. In my business, it is seldom that you are able to see immediate cause and effect to your [...]
Ottawa Business Delegation Succeeds in Beijing
By Mayor Larry O’Brien
On April 6th, I embarked on a 10-day economic development mission to the Chinese cities of Beijing, Chongqing, Shenzhen and Hong Kong. The mission, coordinated by OCRI, aims to strengthen existing relationships between our cities and to further establish Ottawa as one of China’s strategic partners.
OCRI signs cooperation agreement with Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau on day two of trade mission to China
OTTAWA, ON, Saturday April 10, 2010 – OCRI has signed a cooperation agreement with the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau two days into a 10 day trade mission to China. This memorandum of understanding was signed with the privilege of being witnessed by the Mayor of Beijing Guo Jin Long and Mayor of Ottawa Larry O’Brien.
China Mission Day 2 – the formal meetings begin
April 7, 2010
It’s early morning and the delegation gathers in the hotel lobby ready to start the real work. I would say bright eyed and bushy tailed, but the long flight and the 12 hour time difference has most of us moving a bit slowly. We start the day with the team split into two [...]
Hello from 36,000 feet!
Day 1: Tuesday, April 6th -
Ottawa Hello from 36,000 feet over the Canadian Rockies!