Two hundred and fifty representatives from more than 120 companies and organizations representing sectors such as mining, energy, forestry, seafood, transportation and education will participate in the upcoming Province-led jobs and trade mission to China and India, announced Premier Christy Clark.

"The delegations travelling to China and India are the largest in the history of the province, and represent the widest range of sectors to ever participate in a provincial trade mission," said Premier Clark. "We're setting out with three goals in mind: strengthening our existing relationships in the Asia-Pacific region; opening new doors; and setting the stage for future opportunities with China and India."

In addition to expanding trade and commerce opportunities between B.C. and these important Asian markets, the jobs and trade mission will seek to attract new investment into the province, promote B.C. as a destination for international students and tourists, and continue to build on the historic, cultural and business ties between British Columbia and the peoples of China and India.

"Thanks to our ability to successfully export our products, especially to China, Adanac Seafood is now looking to double the size of its operations and move into larger facilities," said Betty Luong, manager of Adanac Seafood. "We look forward in participating in the Province's trade mission, to help our company grow and open new doors for B.C.'s seafood products."

Premier Clark, along with ministers Bell and Thomson, will depart Vancouver Nov. 4 for China. Areas of focus in China are transportation, international education, mining, forestry, liquefied natural gas, seafood promotion, and technology. The Premier will meet with government officials and business leaders in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Both ministers Bell and Thomson will accompany the Premier on portions of her itinerary, but will also embark on separate programs. Minister Thomson will also visit Japan, while Minister Bell will travel to Hong Kong before returning to B.C.

The Premier will leave China for India on Nov. 10, along with Health Minister Mike de Jong. In India they will meet with government and business leaders in Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Bangalore. While in India, the focus will be on mining investment, life sciences, technology, green energy, international education, and forestry.

The Premier and delegations will meet with government, business and industry leaders in both countries, as well as hosting hundreds of officials at business functions. Premier Clark will also participate at a panel session with Indian provincial chief ministers at the World Economic Forum India Summit, which is meeting in Mumbai.

Premier Clark arrives back in British Columbia on Nov. 18.

A detailed list of participants and highlights of the BC Jobs and Trade Mission follows.

BACKGROUNDER

BC jobs and trade mission to China and India - participating companies and organizations

• Ace Global
• Adanac Seafood
• AgriMarine Holdings Inc
• Ainsworth
• Ala Midas Capital Inc.
• Apache
• Aqualine Seafood
• BC Institute of Technology
• BC Marine Products Ltd
• BC Wood Specialties Group
• Blakes
• Borden Ladner Gervais
• British Columbia First Nations Energy and Mining Council
• Brixton Metals
• Cache Exploration
• Canada Sukunka Coal Corporation
• Canada Wood Group
• Canada Zhonghe Investment Ltd.
• Canadian Blackcod Fishing
• Canadian Dehua
• Canadian International Investment Consulting
• Canadian Kailuan Dehua (CKD)
• Canadian Zinc Corporation
• Canasia Forests Products
• Canfor
• Capilano University
• Chieftain Metals Inc.
• China Minerals Mining Corporation
• CIPA Lumber Co., Ltd.
• CN Rail
• Coast Forest Products Association
• College of the Rockies
• Conifex
• CP Rail
• Davis
• Deloitte
• Douglas College
• Eldorado Gold Corporation
• EnCana
• EOG
• Exeter Resource
• Fanny Bay Oysters
• Fisher Bay
• Flying Fresh Air Freight
• Fortune Minerals
• Front Line Seafood
• FPInnovations, Forintek Division
• Geoscience BC
• Getty Copper Inc.
• Gitxsan Nation
• GMA Cascade Industrial Ltd
• Gold Reach Resources Ltd.
• Gold River Seafood Ltd.
• Gowlings
• Grand Hale Marine Products Ltd
• Hard Creek Nickel
• Hunter Dickinson Inc.
• Hampton Affiliates
• HD Mining International
• Ho-wing Investments Ltd
• HSBC
• Initiatives Prince George
• Interex Forest Products Ltd
• Interfor
• Interior Lumber Manufacturer's Association
• Justice Institute of BC
• KPMG
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Lang Vineyards
• Langara College
• Lawson Lundell LLP
• Lions Gate Fisheries Ltd
• LJ Resources
• Mill & Timber
• Minco Mining
• Nathan Fong & Associates - Culinary Film Design
• Nexen Energy
• North Delta Seafoods Ltd
• North Island College
• Ona Power Corp and Arris Holdings Inc.
• Osprey Marine Ltd./ Mariner Seafoods Ltd.
• Pacific Salmon Industries
• Pacific Rim Shellfish Co.
• Pacific Sea Cucumber Harvesters Association
• Pacific Urchin Harvesters Association
• Paladin International Food Sales Ltd.
• PETRONAS
• Port Metro Vancouver
• Prince George Airport Authority
• Progress Energy
• Prophecy Coal Corp.
• Prophecy Platinum Corp.
• Providence Seafoods Inc
• PWC
• RBS Seafood Harvesting Ltd
• Research Universities' Council of BC
• ROC Holdings Ltd./ Bright Future Int'l Trading Ltd.
• Royal Roads University
• Sattva Capital
• Shell
• Silvercorp Metal Inc.
• Simon Fraser University
• Spectra Energy Transmission West
• Stornoway Diamond Corporation
• Strongbow Exploration
• Sung Fish Co., Ltd
• Syncrotrade Canada Inc.
• Teck
  
• The Teal-Jones Group
• Thompson Rivers University
• Tolko Industries
• Trinity Western University
• Underwater Harvesters Association
• University of British Columbia
• University of Northern British Columbia
• University of the Fraser Valley
• University of Victoria
• Urban Select Capital
• Vancouver International Airport Authority
• Vancouver Island University
• Western Canada Seafood Merchants & Processors Association
• West Fraser Timber Co., Ltd
• Western Forest Products
• Yellowhead Mining

Contact:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640

Highlights of Premier Clark's BC jobs and trade mission to China and India

Depart Vancouver, Nov. 4

Guangzhou, Nov. 5 - 7

• Meet with airline and government officials and the B.C - Guangdong Business Council.
• Attend BC Forestry Investment Innovation construction project, Guangzhou Women and Children's Hospital, and the Guangdong International Tourism and Cultural Festival.

Shanghai, Nov. 7 - 8

• Meetings with housing developers, Canadian consulate officials, and Shanghai-based companies, BC Alumni and senior business executives .
• Tour Dream Home Canada project and townhouse project in Jiniqiao.

Beijing, Nov 8 - 10

• Speak at the International Mining Finance and Capital Markets Conference, the Canada Mineral Investment Forum and at a BC Alumni Network reception.
• Meet with federal Chinese government officials including the mayor of Beijing.

Delhi, Nov 11 - 12

• Attend a Canada - India Education Council forum, a mining seminar, and a reception at the Canadian High Commission.
• Meet with federal Indian government ministers and officials.

Mumbai, Nov 12 - 14

• Participate in a panel at the World Economic Forum, the Canada - India Business Forum Reception, and at a discussion organized by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and India Gateway House.

• Attend Remembrance Sunday observances at the Afghan Church, tour Bollywood Film City.

Bangalore, Nov 15

• Attend the opening of the University of British Columbia's Bangalore office.
• Attend roundtable on collaboration in life sciences.

Amritsar, Nov. 16

• Visit the Golden Temple.

Chandigarh, Nov 16 - 17

• Meet with Chief Minister of the Punjab.
• Host a reception at the Consul General's residence for local business and civic leaders.

Delhi, Nov. 17

• Participate at an education town hall hosted by MITACS.
• Meet with Indian government ministers.

Return to Vancouver Nov. 18

Contact:

Chris Olsen
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
604 220-1640