Official Launch of the Vancouver International Maritime Centre and Welcome of First International Company, AAL
First global shipping company attracted under the Vancouver International Maritime Centre’s new mandate
Vancouver, BC, Canada (September 18th, 2015): Following its international launches in both London and Athens, the Vancouver International Maritime Centre (VIMC) today celebrated its hometown launch with guest speaker the Honourable Michael de Jong, B.C. Minister of Finance.
At the event, VIMC also announced Singapore-based AAL will be opening a new Vancouver office. Founded in Nederland in 1995 and now headquartered in Singapore, AAL is an award-winning, global multipurpose shipping operator, serving the breakbulk, dry bulk, heavy lift and project needs of the world’s most dynamic industries – like energy, mining, construction and forestry.
It is the first success under VIMC’s mandate to attract global shipping companies to locate offices in Vancouver.
VIMC markets Vancouver as a prime location for international shipowners wanting a competitive edge, with a presence on the west coast of North America, and promotes its global reputation as one of the world’s most liveable cities.
“Within a just a few months, the Vancouver International Maritime Centre has already begun to attract international shipping companies to Vancouver,” said Hon. Michael de Jong, Minister of Finance for the Province of British Columbia, Canada. De Jong announced funding of up to $3 million over three years to help re-establish the International Maritime Centre in Vancouver.
“British Columbia has many competitive strengths that appeal to international shipping companies and investors,” adds Teresa Wat, B.C.’s Minister of International Trade. “Not only does our strategic location provide a gateway to the Pacific Rim and North America, our business regulations have been simplified and streamlined, and access to our multilingual, highly educated talent pool combine to make our province a very attractive location to conduct international business. By supporting the Vancouver International Maritime Centre, we are helping to further diversify and strengthen our economy while creating high-paying jobs for British Columbians.”
“We are really excited to be in Vancouver. It is an extremely welcoming jurisdiction and offers international shipping companies like AAL great opportunity for growth and development,” said Bernard Huizenga, Business Manager for AAL Canada.
VIMC CEO and Chairman Graham Clarke stated, “we are thrilled to be welcoming AAL to Vancouver and we are committed to continuing to assist them as they grow their operations in Vancouver”.
About the Vancouver International Maritime Centre (VIMC) and Vancouver, Canada
The Province of British Columbia, Canada’s gateway to the Asia Pacific, has partnered with the International Ship-Owners Alliance of Canada and is investing up to $3 million over three years to revitalize the VIMC to attract new investment and strengthen the province’s shipping industry.
Canada is known for its strong modern economy, universal healthcare system, stable political environment, world-leading banks, high caliber business support services, high-tech capacity as well as easy access to capital markets in North America.
Vancouver has become one of the most attractive locations for international shipping companies and Canada is ranked the best country in the G-20 to do business. VIMC promotes Vancouver as a location for international shipping companies, and assists interested companies in developing their corporate operations on the Pacific Corridor.