42 - Friday, August 14, 1992 - Norih Shore News NV City recommends against twinning proposai District councillor calls decision short- sighted s22rese"2 Ontario experiences run counter to the negative aspects of what the “Ar this moment, 25% of Holland’s economy is based on city council said. ‘*The world is passing us by.’’ the concept of twinning with new- ly forming regions,’’ said Crist. PLANS FOR the economic twinning of North Vancouver dation, he expressed disbelief that District and the Russian city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk are members of the standing commit- : . . -1. tee did not open their eyes to the floundering following North Vancouver City Council’s Jog te yond the North Shore. North Vancouver District coun- cil will vote on pursuing economic twinning with Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk recommendation against proceeding with the plan. At the city’s July 27 council meeting, members of the econom- ic twinning standing committee expressed reservations about spending the $40,000 needed to send a district delegation to the Russian Far East. The concept of economic twinn- ing involves two cities establishing business ties to benefit the economies of both regions. In this case, North Vancouver businesses would provide much-needed capi- tal ‘and technology to Yuzhno- Sakhalinsk jin return for new markets and customers. Both federal and private eco- nomic development organizations were contacted about the possible funding of the proposed twinning. The general indication from the federal agencies was that there is currently no money available for - such a project. The reaction from the private sector was similar. ° Said district. municipal clerk Colleen Rohde, ‘Since it is hard to identify and quantify the direct benefits of twinning, both private and public interest in funding such @ project is weak.”” Also, the current instability in the former superpower raised questions about the security of in- vestment capital in the region. But one North Vancouver District councilior is frustrated by what he calls the city’s ‘clueless understanding of the concept, and vital importance, of economic twinning in the quickly forming global economy.”* Coun. Ernie Crist said if the district dees not approve a plan of economic twinning soon, the op- portunity for economic and cul- tural expansion for North Van- couver will be forever lost. By A. P. McCredie News Reporter ‘*‘Local governments can, and must, play a big role ir establishing ties with these regions in Russia and China,”’ said Crise. “Things have changed in Russia, but essentially the economic deci- sion-making is still made by gov- ernment officials.’’ This means that to do business in Russia, 2 political delegation wields the most influence in establishing business contacts. Crist questions the claim that federal economic agencies are not willing to contribute to municipal economic twinning. “} spoke with Joe Clark recent- ly in Halifax on this very issue and was told by him that the fed- eral government is very intcrested in financing such projects,’’ Crist said. Crist also said that the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce and the North Shore Economic Development Commission should be more involved in the process. Though Crist said he was not surprised by the city’s recommen- THRU SEPT.A2 425 Queber 51. CALL TOLL FRE Victoria, A.C. ~B0)-663- vAV ING 1-800-663-7515 VON MENTION THIS AD FOR YOUR PREFERRED RATE RT save 67% We sell out every time our sup- plier finds us more of these ex- traordinary buys. Fleece pullovers and jackets, mostly save Ultralight weight and beautiful colours for street, trail and biking. at its Aug. 24 council meeting, Tae pence AAS AE ds A Sn OTST SSCL New shipment just arrived! Choose from hundreds of these first quality manufacturers’ clearouts! Made in Vancouver. { smaller sizes, 200 available. Lots of Youths sizes! 9 Kodra nyion. Top opening. Carry handles. Hi Tec Sierra: Lite There's simply no higher quality street hiker or running shoe at this price. tots oF youths’ sizes, men's and ladies. Great new 5099 colours! Both of these ‘Zephyr’ ‘Glacier’ Outbound classics feature a é front organizer pouch, top zip- school sack. per and Carry straps. 9.99 $4999 599% $3 Since 1980, creat Outdoors has been the North Shores headquarters for the highest: : quality and lowest priced quaranteed# day packs for school, street, trail and biking: We . service manufacturers’ guarantees on all our packs! Mummy style, 3 Ibs. Hollosoft fill | Kodra ‘yion Super durab ae Si } 999, generate "a Tyee tendar to SCAT USN The ‘Logan’ for backpacking : (left) or the ‘Orient Express’ fer travel. Two~of. our favorites, and both. on sale now!