A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) just renewed between Canada and China could further boost timber frame building in the Asian country.
The MoU, signed by Canadian minister of labour and housing Joe Fontana and Chinese construction minister Wang Guangtao, is designed to promote bilateral co-operation on energy-efficient housing and collaboration on housing finance and urban planning.
Mr Fontana said the MoU built on the goodwill of the earlier agreement signed in 1999.
He said: “This partnership will foster the exchange of skills between the two countries and will result in stronger and more sustainable housing industries in both countries.”
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been playing an active role in encouraging growth of Canadian exports to China.
In 2003, with CMHC’s help, China revised its timber design code to be more compatible with Canadian wood frame construction. CMHC has also started to facilitate housing-related sales to China by Canadian companies.
