OREANDA-NEWS. August 19, 2014. Efforts to expand export markets for British Columbia lumber took a major step forward with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding designed to increase the use of wood-frame construction in China.

The MOU will remain in effect for the next five years, as Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations of British Columbia said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson and Tan Yueming, Minister of Housing and Urban Rural Development in China’s Zhejiang province, took part in the official signing ceremony via videoconference.

The MOU calls on the two governments to promote the use of environmentally friendly low-carbon, wood-frame construction, develop wood-frame construction codes and standards for application in China, and organize exchange visits for government and representatives to share technical and experience and knowledge.

British Columbia will also increase co-operation with Zhejiang on wood-frame construction research, with a specific focus on local construction needs in Zhejiang province, including government-funded public building projects and home renovations.

Steve Thomson, B.C. Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, said: “This agreement is an important step in our unique and growing relationship with China, one that I’m sure will continue to provide mutual benefits and prosperity for many years to come.”

Tan Yueming, Zhejiang Minister of Housing and Urban Rural Development, said: “We welcome this agreement and look forward to sharing experience and knowledge with our Canadian friends. This MOU will move forward wood-frame construction technology and promote green building and energy efficient construction developments in Zhejiang.”