Statistics Canada released year-end export figures for 2012. British Columbia exported $31.7 billion worth of goods last year, recording sizable increases to China and India, two key markets as the province looks to diversify and expand markets for its products.

The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training for British Columbia and industry representatives today applauded the opening of the Donguri Anne Public Library, the first building funded under the Canada-Tohoku Reconstruction Project.

Business leaders from India and British Columbia will meet to discuss trade and investment opportunities at the BC-India Global Business Forum on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.

Effective Nov. 15, 2012, the Fast Track nomination option in the business immigration stream of the B.C. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is being suspended pending a review in order to ensure the program is working effectively to support job creation and economic development in B.C.

More skilled immigrants will be able to fully utilize their skills in the B.C. economy, as the B.C. government invests in projects and programs to speed up and improve the process for immigrants to get their credentials and qualifications recognized to work in B.C.

Investors who recognize British Columbia as a safe harbour for investment can take advantage of the new online tool OpportunitiesBC.

If you know of a deserving individual, business, organization or youth doing exceptional work in multiculturalism in B.C., nominate them for the 2012 Provincial Nesika Awards. The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012.

A pilot project in Campbell River involving the B.C. government, local government, business, industry and First Nations has resulted in an investment of $930,000 to develop the North Vancouver Island Exploration Geoscience Project to support mining and create jobs.