More than 40,000 industry visitors will have the opportunity to learn about British Columbia’s innovative wood products and building systems this week at the famed Japan Home & Building Show in Tokyo. Now in its 36th year, the show attracts buyers from around the world and provides the perfect opportunity to showcase B.C.’s quality softwood lumber and high quality specialty products.

“Japan is a critical market for the B.C. forest products industry with trade relationships dating back over 50 years,” said Minister of International Trade Teresa Wat. “We see market opportunities, not just for B.C. wood but for other high-quality, value-added products, as well. Attracting international trade and investment is very competitive. That’s why it is so important for us to be on the ground in our priority markets like Japan to promote investment, generate business and create jobs in B.C.”

Wat is currently in Japan as part of her 2014 Asia trade mission. She will drop by the Canada Wood Pavilion at the event to show her support for B.C. wood products and meet with the vendors. The BC Wood Specialties Group organized the pavilion on behalf of the Canada Wood Group. As B.C.'s third-largest export market, Japan continues to be one of the most important export destinations for the province.

“Representatives from B.C.’s value-added wood products industry regularly participate in events like this to introduce innovative products, reach new customers and increase sales in this critically important market,” said BC Wood Specialty Group CEO Brian Hawrysh. “My organization provides in-market support that enables the B.C. wood products industry to realize these objectives. BC Wood is appreciative of the B.C. government’s support of these very successful in-market initiatives.”

B.C. and Canada have a long-standing presence in the Japanese wood products market. Built on strong partnerships and global markets, B.C.’s forest sector leads the world in sustainable forest management, efficient manufacturing and global exports.

The B.C. government and the forest industry have partnered in reconstruction efforts following the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in 2011, and three of four projects using wood are now completed. The final project will be completed in 2014-15.

In Tokyo, plans were recently unveiled for a ground-breaking new senior-care facility to be built using wood-building technology developed in B.C. When completed, the wooden structure will be the largest of its kind ever built in Japan at 9,023 m2.

Members of the B.C. Trade and Investment Representative office in Tokyo have built an extensive network in Japan, helping British Columbia companies capitalize on shared business opportunities across the country.

Trade missions are a critical part of British Columbia’s strategy to diversify its international trading partners and secure new investment, propelling economic activity and job creation throughout the province.

BC Wood is a not-for-profit trade association that supports B.C. businesses that manufacture wood products. The association acts as a voice for the industry and provides the assistance necessary for B.C.’s wood products industry to grow and diversify its markets worldwide.

Quick facts:

• Japan is the third-largest market for B.C. wood products by volume and value, with preference for higher quality wood products generating higher prices for B.C. exporters.
• Total wood construction in 2013 was up by 11% from the previous year.
• B.C. wood export sales to Japan in 2013: 2.9 million m3 of commodity wood products valued at $886 million.
• Since 2010, the B.C. government through FII (Forestry Innovation Investment) has supported the Japan Home and Building Show exhibition each year by covering up to 20% of total costs for B.C. associations. In 2014-15 the total contribution to the show is $27,692.
• Forestry helps drive the B.C. economy and accounts for 35% of the province’s exports while employing over 58,000 people.

Learn More:

Follow the trade mission on Twitter @BCJobsPlan (twitter.com) #TM2014

For more information about B.C. trade and investment opportunities visit: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/

BC Wood Specialties Group: http://www.bcwood.com/

Wood Innovation and Design Centre: http://www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/woodinnovation/

Learn more about the BC Jobs Plan at: www.bcjobsplan.ca

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
250 356-5613

BC Wood Specialties Group
Brian Hawrysh
604 882-7100