VANCOUVER — More than 2,000 Chinese business leaders from around the world are attending a major convention in Vancouver this week that organizers hope will help promote the city.

The three-day Teochew International Federation Convention, which will close at the Vancouver Convention Centre today, includes delegates from Canada, the U.S., Southeast Asia, Australia and France. The meeting gathers members of one of the most active overseas Chinese communities, and organizers said it will further boost B.C.’s business connections in the Asia-Pacific region.



The Teochew people originate from the southern Chinese province of Guangdong, in and around the city of Chaoshan. Due to economic hardships back in the 19th century, the Teochew were among the first group of Chinese to emigrate in large numbers, settling primarily in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Settlement in Canada grew in the 1960s, and there are currently about 200,000 Canadians who are of Teochew descent.



They have a reputation as a hard-working and business-oriented community, and it is estimated that Teochew businesses account for nearly 60 per cent of all overseas Chinese commerce.



Hong Kong business magnate Li Ka-shing is perhaps the most famous member of the Teochew community. He is ranked by Forbes as the 17th richest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $25.6 billion US. Locally, the Canada Chaoshan Business Association includes former B.C. Lieutenant Governor David Lam, who passed away in 2010, and Richmond MP and cabinet minister Alice Wong.



Lam Siu Ngai, president of the Canada Chaoshan Business Association, likened the event to hosting thousands of his closest relatives for a holiday gathering.



“To be able to host them here at the convention, we are very proud, but there is a lot a pressure as well,” said Lam, noting this is the first time the convention has been held in Canada. “The largest concentration of our community today is still in Southeast Asia, and we hope they can gain a better understanding of Canada, and of the business opportunities here.”



chchiang@vancouversun.com