SIDNEY - The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce is hosting a speech by Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell on Friday, Jan. 20 in Sidney as part of a workshop to help local businesses and organizations learn the ins and outs of exporting.

Bell's remarks will focus on how the provincial government is developing international markets, including an overview of 'Canada Starts Here: the BC Jobs Plan' and Premier Christy Clark's recent trade mission to Asia. Following his presentation, Bell will field questions from the audience.

The Strategies of International Business workshop will provide an overview on exporting fundamentals including advice on researching and developing market strategies, how to access financing and insurance, managing opportunities, and overcoming challenges. Participants will also learn how to access export support services offered by the provincial and federal governments.

The export workshop is free-of-charge and hosted by the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with the B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation.

The event will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Sidney Pier Hotel, located at 9805 Seaport Place. Participants can register by calling the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce at 250-656-3616 or by email: info@peninsulachamber.ca

After completing the Strategies of International Business workshop, companies can register and join the BC Business Network to receive intelligence on targeted markets and information about upcoming events, as well as future learning opportunities.

The Province's collaboration with the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce workshop builds on the 'Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan' and is part of ongoing efforts to help municipalities and companies build international partnerships. Export workshops have previously taken place in communities in Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, the Lower Mainland, and in Northern British Columbia.

Quotes:

Murray Coell, MLA Saanich North and the Islands -

"I thank the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for hosting this export development workshop. A strong export sector is vital in creating jobs and developing economic prosperity in regions throughout British Columbia, including communities on the Saanich Peninsula."

Doug Taylor, executive director, Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce -

"The Province's strong trade initiatives, with the fastest growing economies of the world, are very welcome. Trade is critical to the success of the British Columbia's economy and the support of the provincial government goes a long way in helping the technology, manufacturing and service firms on the Saanich Peninsula to increase their export potential."

Quick Facts:

• $28.9 billion: Value of B.C. origin exports in 2010.
• $30.1 billion: Value of B.C. origin exports from January to November 2011.
• 14.7 per cent: Increase of value of B.C. exports in the first 11 months of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.
• Top six markets for B.C. exports in 2011: United States, China, Japan, South Korea, Brazil and Taiwan.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: www.BCJobsPlan.ca

Province of B.C.'s international trade and investment website: www.BritishColumbia.ca

Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce: www.PeninsulaChamber.ca

Contacts:

Ben James
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-8177

Doug Taylor
Executive Director
Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce
250 656-3616
250 889-1414 - mobile