Life of Guangzhou - [Exclusive Interview] 蔺高廷: Consul General of Canadian Consulate

Before Canada 2007 Celebration Party, Consul General of Canadian Consulate Mr. Tim Coughlin was interviewed by our staff reporter Helena Zhang at Garden Hotel.

Consul General of Canadian Consulate in Guangzhou Tim Coughlin (right)
in interview by our staff reporter Helena Zhang at Garden Hotel in Guangzhou.

Mr. Coughlin told us that in Canada, all cities and communities hold different celebration activities on the National Day. People gather on streets, light fireworks and have parties all over the country. Even out of Canada, the consulate also organizes the National Party each year for celebrating the special day, as well as promoting cooperation and communication between Canadian and local people from business or government sections.

“In fact, we have the potential to cooperate in all fields, especially in agriculture, food, natural resources, transportation and education,” Mr. Coughlin described the cooperation between Canada and Guangdong. “We already have lots of big projects here, such as the Guangzhou Metro’s construction project.”

“After the opening up and reform, and entering WTO, China is now on the right track. The government shall make efforts to provide a more open and equal business environment which will attract more businessmen to this country,” Mr. Coughlin shared his opinions with us.

In addition to economic cooperation, Canada also pays great attention to beneficial events. The Consulate holds the annual Guangdong Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research, which has raised more than 1 million Yuan for the Guangzhou Charity Hospital for cancer research. “This year’s run will be held in November,” Mr. Coughlin told us.

With a father-in-law from Henan province, Central China, Mr. Coughlin has an impressive and traditional Chinese name Lin Gaoting (蔺高廷) which perfectly matches his English name.

Although Mr. Coughlin said that he can only speak a little Chinese, he can drive by himself in the city after two-year’s work here. He really enjoyed traveling around Guangzhou with his family. “It is a wonderful city with wonderful people, food and shopping,” he said.

As a foreigner, especially a foreign driver, living in Guangzhou, Mr. Coughlin also gave some advice to the Guangzhou government concerning how to make the city more attractive and convenient for expats. “Set up more English road signs, but leave the road names in Pinyin, because it is much easier when you need to ask others for directions,” he said.

“Beside that, I think the government should discover more historical sites like the Tomb of Nanyue King. Guangzhou is a city with a long history. There are many historical sites here that are very attractive to foreign tourists,” obviously, Mr. Coughlin is also very interested in touring these sites.

Finally, Mr. Coughlin talked about our website (www.lifeofguangzhou.com). “It is well-organized with good content. However, you need more marketing,” he said.

With a traditional Chinese name, love of local beef noodles and enjoyment of badminton, this Canadian Consul General seems to have a wonderful life in a local way.

(By Helena Zhang and Alan Devey, photographed by Jeff Li)