A selection of British Columbia's trade and investment representatives from key international markets are visiting the Nakusp area today.

The Province's international trade and investment representatives (TIRs) are based in priority markets throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. They make local introductions to potential buyers, investors and other in-market partners, and they help B.C. companies and communities identify opportunities and make the right investment attraction decisions.

Visiting areas such as Nakusp allows the international reps to build partnerships and relationships throughout the province and in key economic sectors, including natural gas, mining, biomass and technology. The TIRs completed their latest regional RoadShow in October 2012, visiting the northeast, northern Vancouver Island and several communities in the Kootenays. This week, the TIRs returned to the province to attend the 2013 Mineral Exploration Roundup Conference in Vancouver before splitting into groups to travel north for a series of follow-up meetings and an introductory visit to Nakusp.

Today's Nakusp visit includes dialogues with business, municipal and First Nations groups about opportunities they have internationally and government services they can access to make the most of this province's natural advantages as outlined in Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan.

Opening and expanding international markets for the province's goods and services is one of the pillars of that BC Jobs Plan. The government has committed to doubling its overseas presence by March 2013 to accelerate trade and direct foreign investment by marketing the province's competitive advantages and world-class business environment.

Government trade and investment services include the B.C. Business Network, a directory of suppliers and exporters, and the Opportunities BC website, a searchable online database that serves as the official portal for international investors to explore opportunities in our communities.

Quote:

Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour Pat Bell -

"We want businesses and communities across British Columbia to have access to the Province's services and to get the guidance they need to open new international markets and create more jobs for B.C. families. By sending the international trade and investment representatives to communities such as Nakusp, we're making it easier for businesses and communities to learn about new opportunities and services."

Quick Facts:

• Additional trade and investment services provided by the TIRS and the Ministry include:
• International market intelligence and trade leads to help companies sell products and services overseas.
• Advice on developing marketing strategy and cross-cultural business practices.
• Connecting with key industry, government and community influencers.
• Seminars and training on exporting and accessing international markets.
• Promoting B.C. educational institutions to international students.
• Organizing and supporting trade missions, exhibitions and conferences in B.C. and around the world.

Learn More:

To find out more about the Trade and Investment Representatives, visit http://www.britishcolumbia.ca and check the Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/#!/bctradeinvest @BCTradeInvest

For Opportunities BC, visit http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Buy/Opportunity%20Profiles/Pages/OpportunitiesBC.aspx

Contact:

Media Relations
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
Ph. 250 387-2799