Surprising Harbin - Walk Down Memory Street
Did you know that . . . Central Street was built in 1896
after the Imperial Russian Government seized control of
parts of China's northeast to extend its Trans-Siberian
railway into the area and Harbin. The need for labor
drew thousands of migrant laborers from the provinces
of Shandong and Hebei. The laborers settled in what
became known as "China Street," a district governed by
Russian colonists. It derived its name from the
predominantly ethnic Chinese who made it their home.
Before the railway became operational in 1903, almost
all goods were transported to Harbin via the Songhua
River, which runs west to east through the city. The
turn-of-the century saw "China Street" prosper
tremendously, with shops lining each of its elegant
sides. It was renamed "Central Street" by the local
government in 1925, a name that has stuck to this
day. On both sides of the street - 0.90 miles long and
35 feet wide - are 71 buildings, distinctly European in
architectural style, of which 13 are placed on the list of
the local cultural heritage. They feature four styles of
architecture - 16th century Renaissance, 17th century
Baroque, 18th century Eclecticism and late 19th
century Art Nouveau.
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Dear Friends:
For all of you who have enjoyed or benefited from this
e-publication, you should know that the "editor-in-
chief" has been Cyril Lim. Cyril has requested a 6-
month leave of absence to pursue some other matters.
We are sorry to lose his day-to-day participation.
However, his leave does not mean that he will not be
around on occasion, working on a few projects. So, do
not be surprised if you occasionally hear that familiar
voice on the phone. Cyril is both an employee and dear
friend. Everyone he has met knows what a great
worker and terrific person he is. We will miss him
around the office.
I thought it would only be appropriate that he have an
opportunity to relay a more personal message to you.
Please read it below. Have a productive week. Larry
Horist - President HBE
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| ARINC Aims for China's Airspace | | | A U.S. aviation communications and system engineering
company, ARINC, is targeting the Chinese market as
the most strategically important part of its international
expansion plans. Randy Pizzi, managing director of
ARINC's Asia Pacific operations said in an interview the
Chinese market contributed about 10% to the firm's
Asia Pacific revenue. Their services help airlines and
ground control obtain flight information, increasing the
efficiency and security of planes. ARINC has teamed
up with the Civil Aviation of China (CAC). ARINC's data link business in China grew by about 50%
last year, compared with 20% growth in the Asia
Pacific
region as a whole. ARINC has more than 20 airport
customers utilizing its IT services in the Asia Pacific,
but in China, only Harbin airport in Heilongjiang Province
subscribe to their system. With the backing of the
CAC, ARINC is well positioned to win more customers in
China. | | |
| Governor Pledges Russia Links | | | Northeast China's Heilongjiang Province has pledged to
enhance economic co-operation with Russia as part of
a revitalization strategy of old industrial bases.
Provincial Governor Zhang Zuoji said Heilongjiang aims
to increase existing trade with Russia and exchange
technology and investment. At the 16th Harbin Trade Fair, which will be held from
June 15-19, the Russian Government will send
delegations for the first time, Zhang said on
Thursday. "Heilongjiang will make better use of its
geographic advantage in its co-operation with Russia,"
Zhang said. The border between Heilongjiang and
Russia is only 1,888 miles apart. | | |
| Brewer Adds to Tsingtao Holdings | | | Anheuser-Busch, the world's leading brewer, has
become the second largest Tsingtao Brewery Co Ltd
shareholder, almost tripling its stake. The company
converted its remaining bonds from newly issued H
shares of the Shanghai and Hong Kong-listed top
Chinese brewer under the strategic investment
agreement inked in October 2002. The company
yesterday also reported a 10.18% growth in net profit
for 2004. The brewer, through its joint venture with China
Resources Enterprises, China Resources Snow Breweries
(CR Snow), also acquired the Snowland Brewery Co in
Fuyang, Anhui Province, on Monday. | | |
| Message from Cyril Lim | | | Today is my last day at TJI International/Harbin
Business Exchange (TJII/HBE) after which I will begin a
6-month leave of absence from my current position.
During this time I will embark on a new and different
adventure in line with my personal goals and dreams.
My time at TJII/HBE has given me the chance to meet
so many wonderful people like you, both on a
professional and a personal basis. I have enjoyed
keeping you up to date with the latest information
about the happenings in Harbin and China in general.
During my absence, my colleague Xiong Her will
continue to publish this email newsletter. It has been a real honor to have the opportunity to
work with such a dynamic company. Both Larry and Jill
Horist are the gurus of China. Collectively they have
the knowledge, expertise and experience to make any
project in China successful. It is with mix emotion that
I leave on the cusp of business burgeoning in China. I
have seen projects grow from a dream to their reality
and feel privileged to have been part of it. I continue
to urge you to aggressively pursue the wonderful
opportunities in Harbin and in China. I look forward to
more successes when I return. All the best -
Cyril Lim, International Manager | | |
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