Led by a dramatic gain in shipments to China and other key markets targeted in Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, British Columbia's export totals jumped over 10 per cent this April compared to the same month in 2011.

The Province exported $2.7 billion of goods worldwide in April of 2012 compared to $2.4 billion in April of last year. Exports to China, including Hong Kong, rose substantially, by over 20 per cent.

The government, in its BC Jobs Plan, made opening new markets for the Province's products one of its primary goals. Given its location, relationships across the Pacific, and the economic uncertainty continuing to grip the United States and large swathes of Europe, diversifying markets for B.C. goods is a crucial step in ensuring a platform is in place for long-term job creation.

The BC Jobs Plan identifies China, South Korea, Japan and India as key markets with fast-growing economies and new buying power. Premier Christy Clark completed a successful trade mission to Japan, Korea and the Philippines in May, aimed at maintaining the province's strong economic momentum and building on the accomplishments of our November 2011 trade mission to China and India. British Columbia's total exports to those four priority countries show a large increase over the same period from last year. Combined exports to India, China, South Korea and Japan topped $1.1 billion in April, up from $878 million in April of 2011.

According to the BC Jobs Plan, one of the key strategies in opening those new markets for B.C businesses and communities is doubling the province's overseas presence. British Columbia's Trade and Investment Representatives promote the province around the world and across Asia and connect B.C. businesses, sectors and regions with opportunities in foreign markets.

Later this month, from June 18 to June 22, the representatives will conduct a roadshow across the province, including tours of Kitimat's liquefied natural gas facilities and the Fairview Container Terminal in Prince Rupert, and a reception with Haisla Chief Councillor Ellis Ross. Several representatives will also attend the 2012 International Bioenergy Conference in Prince George.

Quotes

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Pat Bell-

"Positive export numbers show the value of market diversification to this province. We are now using that blueprint in other key sectors through Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan, targeting Asian countries where burgeoning middle-classes are driving demand for our products and services," Minister Bell said. "This includes doubling our overseas presence in key markets to facilitate trade with these areas."

Quick Facts:

• The Province's exports to China (including Hong Kong) increased 20.3 per cent from $338.2 million in April 2011 to $406.9 million in April 2012. This was led by a substantial increase of 3,784.1 per cent in Mineral Products from $2.4 million in April 2011 to $94.6 million in April 2012.
• British Columbia's exports to the four priority countries identified in Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan - India, Japan, South Korea and China (including Hong Kong) - increased 19.2 per cent from $878.9 million in April 2011 to $1.1 billion in April 2012.
• Among commodities, British Columbia's worldwide exports of mineral products were $949.8 million in April 2012, rising 30.2 per cent over April 2011, when exports were $730.0 million.
• Exports of wood products rose during April 2012 with $499.0 million being exported, up 3.6 per cent from April 2011 exports of $482.0 million.
• Exports of pulp in April 2012 increased by 4.4 per cent to $386.6 million compared with April 2011 exports of $370.4 million.
• During May's BC Jobs and Trade Mission, 25 business deals and partnership agreements were signed or announced, while Premier Christy Clark attended approximately 40 events and meetings with business and political leaders, including large investors in B.C. such as Mitsubishi Corporation, Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS), and Korean mining company POSCO.
• Premier Clark's November trade mission to China and India established 60 business deals and partnership agreements across six key sectors, including agrifoods, natural gas, mining, and forestry. Their value exceeded $1.4 billion.
• British Columbia's Trade and Investment Representatives operate out of nine offices around the world, including Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing in China.

Learn More:

Read about Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan and the 6 Month Progress Report at: BCJobsPlan.ca

To find out more about British Columbia's Trade and Investment Representatives, visit: Trade.BritishColumbia.ca

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104