The Shanghia MOUs

In order to effectively execute the program elements of the China initiative, it is necessary that COFI and its Canadian partners develop strategic partnerships with a number of organizations in China. Four separate MOU's have been crafted that detail in a general manner the aims & objectives of each strategic partnership. These MOUs will be signed within weeks and will be witnessed by Prime Minister Jean Chretien on Oct. 22 (TBC) and BC Premier Gordon Campbell on Nov. 1st.

COFI, Forintek Canada MOU with the Chinese Academy of Forestry.

As the pre-eminent government organization in China dealing with forestry and forest products research, the Chinese Academy of Forestry is well positioned to undertake market research and product testing and evaluation activities that will further the interests of the Canadian industry in the Chinese construction market. Likewise, Forintek Canada is this country's expert in wood product research. These joint testing and evaluation activities will support the attainment of code objectives and the broad acceptance of Canadian wood products for building in China.

COFI, City of Coquitlam MOU with the City of Shanghai

A shortage of trained and qualified building inspectors is a critical component in ensuring wood buildings are built to code.

The City of Coquitlam will participate in an exchange program for building officials from Shanghai. Coquitlam will develop a program to expose officials from Shanghai to Canadian compliance and inspection procedures for WFC.

The City of Shanghai will make available key compliance personnel to participate in training and exchange programs and assist in the development of training programs for its officials.

It is anticipated that participation in this program will create spin off business opportunities for business interests in Coquitlam.

COFI, BCIT Canadian Housing & Construction Centre MOU with the Shanghai Construction & Management Commission

In order to address the severe shortage of trained site trades, supervisors and construction technologists, the British Columbia Institute of Technology will develop a training curriculum and provide skilled Canadian educators to manage and deliver a training program in Shanghai to train local instructors who will eventually assume the role of delivering training to the building industry under the supervision of BCIT.

Conversely, the City of Shanghai will provide suitable personnel to be trained by BCIT as instructors to deliver training. Over a pre-determined period of time, Shanghai will gradually assume increasing responsibility for operation of the training initiative.

COFI, UBC Faculties of Forestry & Applied Science, Canadian Wood Council and Forintek Canada MOU with Tongji University's Faculty of Urban Planning and Architecture

UBC, CWC and Forintek agree to cooperate with Tongji in the development of teaching curricula on wood frame construction (WFC) and in research activities that will address technical issues dealing with the acceptance of WFC..

Tongji University agrees to cooperate with UBC, CWC and Forintek in the development of curricula and teaching materials for design/engineering students and continuing professional development for practicing designers and agrees to incorporate this material into its engineering and architecture programs.