London's promotional agency, London & Partners, and the Vancouver Economic Commission have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will allow the two Olympic cities to share lessons and knowledge about hosting an Olympic Games with a particular focus on future opportunities surrounding economic and business development.
The City of Vancouver hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Game, and London is set to host the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games July 27-August 12 and August 29-September 9. (Click here to read about a different kind of games played host to by Vancouver.)
As well as sharing knowledge between the two organizations, the memorandum stipulates that the two cities will exchange ideas on fostering legacy projects as well as hosting future major events. The agreement also encourages the exchange of learning and experience in different fields, including sustainable development, social development, accessibility, education, science and technology, culture, urban planning, tourism and more.
Gordon Innes, CEO of London & Partners, said of the agreement: “This memorandum signifies a very clear ambition for London to use the Olympics as a real catalyst to learn, share and change our great city. London & Partners is determined to use the experiences we glean from 2012 to benefit London’s offering so we can make London an even more attractive city to future visitors. And we are also keen to ensure we share our insights with those other global cities across the world - including previous and future Olympic host cities such as Vancouver and Rio. We want to use this partnership with Vancouver to improve and strengthen London’s offering so we can make London an even more attractive city to future visitors, businesses and students.”
Lee Malleau, CEO of the Vancouver Economic Commission, said: "The VEC is extremely pleased to sign this international business agreement with London and Partners. Reaching beyond our city, to work with other dynamic global cities, is part of best practices in today's 21st century environment of conducting effective trade and investment. Working with other host Olympic cities like London builds on a platform of synergies that already exist, and it makes sense. It's one of the best ways to help our companies access other global markets."