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ernment and internationally, I recognized the incredible lowing Brexit and the U.S. elections, VIMC has re- both in Europe and Asia. At the moment we are work- advantages Canada offered. So I recommended – to the ceived an increase in interest from various companies. ing with 10 companies that are establishing their branch owners and to the government – that Canada’s advan- of? ces in Vancouver, we are working with another 50 tages should be communicated globally. In comparing Vancouver to other established companies to provide them with information on tax, maritime hubs, realistically how does Vancouver structures, immigration, banking, etc. This has, to date,

What is the core value proposition to get mari- stack up? Where are you strongest? been very successful.

time companies to move to Vancouver? Canada’s system is very simple. There is no

Canada has a strong banking system, political stability, tonnage tax, no obligation to ? ag a percent- universal healthcare system, world-class universities, a age of your ? eet into Canada, no minimum highly skilled educated work force with a strong social commitments, such as time or number of em- infrastructure providing a high quality of life. Canada is ployees and the provisions allowing exclu- a western, strong, modern economy and provides a sta- sion from tax in Canada on the foreign earned ble environment for companies wishing to be associated pro? ts from international shipping compa- with the Canada brand. nies are enshrined in federal tax legislation.

Furthermore, the administration costs of run-

How has VIMC/Canada has invested to attract ning an entire corporate group is signi? cantly maritime companies to the region? reduced because of our simple rules.

We have a simple strategy that focuses on raising aware- ness of Canada’s advantages, and showcasing the strong Ultimately, how and when will you

Canada brand. VIMC provides advice, information and measure whether this push has been a assistance to international shipping companies interested success or a failure?

in establishing a presence on Canada’s west coast. As you well know, establishing a global shipping hub probably takes a decade or

The maritime industry is obviously in a down two, and we are now only in our second cycle across several sectors. How has this im- year. From where I sit, I can talk about the pacted the trajectory and pace of your mission? incredible interest Vancouver has received

Certainly the down cycle has had an impact, but fol- from ship owners from around the globe

Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, Executive Director, VIMC

Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein is the Executive Director of the newly re-established

Vancouver International Maritime Centre. A maritime lawyer by profession with a Masters in Maritime Law with merit from Kings College London, Ka- ity has over 15 years of experience in the global shipping industry having started her career with the Vancouver law ? rm Bull Houser & Tupper. Kaity has worked for various international ? rms such as Gard (UK) Ltd., the Na- tional Oil Re? neries of Greece and international shipping companies such as

Teekay Shipping Ltd. and Seaspan Ship Management in Vancouver, Canada.

Kaity’s previous position was with the International Ship Owners Alliance of

Canada (ISAC) as the President and Secretary-General. During her tenure there, she worked in close collaboration with ship-owners and all levels of government promoting the interests of ship-owners based in Canada. She is called upon by government as an industry advisor to Transport Canada and Environment Canada, as well as the House of Commons and the Sen- ate of Canada. She was also appointed by the Premier of B.C. as the trans- portation lead for the British Columbia Jobs and Investment Board. Kaity’s global expertise in shipping has enabled her to participate in policymaking and business development through various high-level consultations within government forums and roundtables.

A prominent member of the shipping community, Kaity is a member of the Ca- nadian Maritime Law Association and has been past President of the Vancou- ver Maritime Arbitrators Association, Trustee of the Insurance Dispute Resolu- tion Services of BC and Trustee of the Vancouver Maritime Museum. In 2005,

Kaity was appointed by the Government of Canada as a member of the Paci? c

Pilotage Authority. Kaity has been awarded Honourary Membership of the

Company of Master Mariners of Canada and in 2012 she was awarded the

Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal by the Governor General of Canada.

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