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

OpportunitiesBC is an online, searchable database of business and project opportunities throughout British Columbia suitable for foreign investment. As an investment attraction tool, the database has three functions:

• To provide updated listings of eligible opportunities around the province in order to help investment seekers gain greater profile for their projects.
• To serve as a portal for foreign visitors to explore opportunities in B.C. communities.
• To connect opportunity representatives with potential foreign investors.

Opportunities range from large-scale resource projects to small- and mid-sized businesses from around British Columbia and are potentially suitable for foreign entrepreneurs seeking business immigration through the Provincial Nominee Program.

Businesses in British Columbia can submit their opportunities to the database. Once they are approved by the B.C. government's network of economic development officers, B.C.'s trade and investment representatives can present these opportunities to interested investors around the globe.

The Economic Development Association of B.C. (EDABC) has played a vital role in assisting the Province to populate the tool with valuable opportunities, along with others partners, such as Venture Connect, Colliers and Invest Northwest.

Quotes:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Pat Bell -

"With the world economy still struggling, investors from around the world are looking to British Columbia as a safe harbour for investment. OpportunitiesBC is a great tool that will allow B.C. businesses to take advantage of our province's positive economic reputation in attracting the capital they need."

BC Chamber of Commerce president and CEO John Winter -

"British Columbia businesses and industries are the lifeblood of the province's economy, and OpportunitiesBC represents a great tool for continued growth and assistance for those looking to retire and pass on their success. We appreciate the government's support in attracting investment to create jobs."

EDABC CEO Dale Wheeldon -

"The continued challenges in the world economy highlight the importance of economic development tools. OpportunitiesBC is a great tool for attracting investment and creating jobs in B.C."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, $226 million in venture capital was invested in B.C., accounting for 16 per cent of all venture capital invested in Canada - a 41 per cent increase over the $160 million invested in 2009, and a five per cent increase over the $216 million invested in 2010.
• The government of B.C. currently has nine international trade and investment representatives (TIRs) under contract: Six in Asia (Tokyo, Japan; Bangalore, India; Seoul, South Korea; and Beijing, Shanghai and Guongzhou, China); two in Europe; and one in the United States.
• The TIRs bring immediate local-market knowledge and access to large networks of key influencers within government and industry, as well as language, business and cultural skills to attract investment and connect B.C. businesses with new markets and opportunities.

Learn More:

www.opportunitiesbc.ca

Contact:

Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
250 356-8177