China's rapid emergence as an economic superpower makes it an important market for B.C. forest products. China is now B.C.'s fastest growing market for wood products. This decade it has moved from the 12th to the 2nd largest export market, by volume, after the United States.

FII, the federal government and the industry through the Canada Wood Group have been working together to grow the Chinese market for the past five years. FII focuses on market research, government relations and demonstration projects through a subsidiary based in Shanghai, while industry is responsible for marketing, technical transfer and training, and quality assurance.

In 2005, FII opened the Dream Home Canada site in Shanghai to showcase wood-frame design. In 2008, the B.C. and Canadian governments announced an $8 million contribution to help rebuild the areas of Wenchuan, China devastated by a major earthquake. The funds are being used to rebuild schools and other public buildings using wood-frame technology and Canadian wood products. FII is managing the project on behalf of both governments.

More details available in the China Market Development Report and at the FII China, Canada Wood China and the Canada – B.C. Wenchuan Reconstruction Project web sites.