The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) and London & Partners, the promotional agency for the City of London, U.K., have signed an agreement to share knowledge about hosting the Olympic Games.
A key focus of the memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed yesterday at the Cities Summit, will be on future opportunities surrounding economic and business development.
As well as sharing knowledge between the two organizations, the MOU stipulates that the cities will exchange ideas on fostering legacy projects as well as hosting future major events.
The agreement also encourages the exchange of experience and lessons in fields such as sustainable development, social development, accessibility, education, science and technology, culture, urban planning and tourism.
In a statement, VEC CEO Lee Malleau welcomed the agreement.
“Reaching beyond our city to work with other dynamic global cities is part of best practices in today’s environment of conducting effective trade and investment,” she said.
“Working with other host Olympic cities like London builds on a platform of synergies that already exist, and it makes sense. It’s one of the best ways to help our companies access other global markets.”
London is set to host this year’s 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games July to August 12 and August 29 to September 9.
Business in Vancouver revealed Tuesday that the B.C. government has decided not to have a promotional presence at the London 2012 Games. (See “Exclusive: B.C. out of London 2012’s five-ring circus” – BIV Business Today, January 31.)
Jenny Wagler
@JennyWagler_BIV