British Columbia’s trade and investment representatives (TIR) from key international markets are travelling throughout the province to connect with local communities and B.C. exporters to update them on the export opportunities abroad.

The TIRs will reconnect with key government and industry stakeholders to further support their efforts in advancing B.C.’s trade and investment objectives in their respective markets. They will have one-to-one meetings with B.C. exporters and do site visits and regional outreach tours in Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Kelowna and Victoria.

The province’s TIRs are strategically located 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 investment attraction opportunities.

The Ministry of International Trade works with international enterprises to help them build strong links to the resources, skills and businesses that make British Columbia an attractive place to work and invest.

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

Quotes:

Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy Teresa Wat -

“These visits are crucial because they allow our international representatives to build partnerships and relationships in different regions of the province and in key economic sectors, including natural gas, mining, agrifoods and technology. Our goal is to provide the tools businesses and communities need to take advantage of new international markets and make it easier for them to access the Province’s services. This will encourage investment and create new jobs.”

BC Business Council executive vice president and chief policy officer Jock Finlayson -

“Growing B.C.’s export base and getting more of our local companies involved in international business are critical to the province’s long-term prosperity. We are pleased to work with government to strengthen the Province’s international trade and investment promotion efforts and connect more B.C. companies with trade and business opportunities in external markets.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C. Trade and Investment offices are located in Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Seoul, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chandigarh, London and California.
• 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.
  • Connecting with key industry, government and community influencers.
  • 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

Check the Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/#!/bctradeinvest

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

British Columbia’s official trade and investment e-newsletter: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/Global/B-C-Market-Monitor.aspx#.Uzme85iYaos

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade and Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism
250 356-0613