Premier Christy Clark has announced that British Columbia will expand its trade and investment presence in India and is working with the federal government to co-locate in Mumbai and Chandigarh. The Premier made the announcement to an audience of business and government leaders in Mumbai, as part of the BC Jobs and Trade Mission.

"India's middle class is growing at an unprecedented rate, and we want to ensure that B.C. has the best opportunity to market its products and services here," said Premier Clark. "By increasing the number of trade representatives, we will be supporting our province's companies and sectors to build the relationships and access the information they need to build their business. It's part of our BC Jobs Plan commitment to double our international presence, to create jobs at home."

The Province will have its official trade and investment representatives located in the Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai and the Consulate General of Canada in Chandigarh offices in the spring of 2012.

The trade operations in Mumbai and Chandigarh will help businesses and organizations from British Columbia connect to opportunities across India, promote the province as a destination for investment and tourism, as a location for international education, a source of information on natural resources and the provision of professional services.

The Province, through Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, has pledged to double British Columbia's international presence in key and expanding markets.

Premier Clark made the announcement at a dinner of business and government leaders organized by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and India Gateway House.

The Premier is leading the largest trade mission in the province's history to promote B.C. as a safe harbour for investment. The BC Jobs and Trade Mission is focused on strengthening existing relationships between B.C. and Asian markets, opening doors for new relationships and setting the stage for future opportunities in China and India.

Contacts:

Marisa Adair
Communications Director
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 413-7316
Marisa.Adair@gov.bc.ca

Carolyn Heiman
Communications Manager
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 888-3545