The B.C. Trade Mission to China came to a close yesterday, wrapping up a series of meetings that explored research and commercial prospects, promoted exchange opportunities and announced almost $1.4 million for more than 300 scholarships for students in B.C. and China.

Ten scholarships of $5,000 each will provide an incentive for students from Maple Leaf Educational Systems in China to attend Langara College, announced Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson during a mission to China.

A new award program to support student exchange between the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Chongqing universities will allow up to 90 students to travel between the institutions in the next academic year.

International mobility of students between British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Southwest University in China will be enhanced by up to 16 scholarships.

Sixteen scholarships of $5,000 each will support and encourage students studying in a dual degree program between Simon Fraser University (SFU) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) in China, announced Advanced Education Minister Andrew Wilkinson during a mission to China.

With over a million jobs coming to B.C. over the next decade, B.C.'s Skills for Jobs Blueprint is focused on getting British Columbians ready for employment.

Promoting exports in B.C.'s priority sectors such as digital media, education, clean technology and life sciences is the focus of upcoming spring trade missions to Asia by Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat and Minister of Advanced Education Andrew Wilkinson.