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.

International Trade Minister Teresa Wat switched things up last week as she visited China's Silicon Valley, opened doors for numerous B.C. companies looking to grow their business in China, and met with major companies such as e-commerce giant Alibaba, and tech firm Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.

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.

During B.C.'s annual Francophonie Day celebrations at the legislature, Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick presented an award to a Quebec-based paper manufacturing company.

A newly opened multi-purpose rehabilitation centre will serve disabled individuals living in the Tohoku region in Japan thanks to the Canada-Tohoku Reconstruction Project.