Premier Christy Clark met with a delegation of high-ranking government officials representing the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this morning to reaffirm British Columbia’s commitment to develop its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. The meeting came during a full day of events to promote the province’s competitive advantages as part of the ASEAN Economic Ministers Roadshow to Canada.

“British Columbia is Canada’s Asia Pacific Gateway and as we ensure our LNG sector meets its full potential, Southeast Asia is a key region,” said Premier Clark. “This visit gives senior ASEAN officials the opportunity to see what sets B.C. apart - our business-friendly climate, short shipping times across the Pacific, and our skilled workforce.”

The ASEAN Economic Ministers Roadshow to Canada, organized in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, includes a three-day stop in Vancouver before moving on to Toronto. Dr. Lim Hong Hin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN, and a diplomatic and business delegation accompanied the Economic Ministers Roadshow.

Today’s program in Vancouver includes events with Canadian Minister of International Trade Ed Fast and Teresa Wat, British Columbia’s Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for the Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism. The itinerary features a luncheon seminar devoted to Canada-ASEAN energy linkages, including LNG, and a roundtable discussion about British Columbia’s transportation infrastructure.

“British Columbia values its relationship with ASEAN and we welcome the opportunity afforded by visits such as this to strengthen those personal, economic and cultural ties,” said Wat. “Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions, and we are working to make British Columbia a North American hub for trans-Pacific trade, business and cultural exchange.”

Quick Facts:

• ASEAN is a political and economic organization made up of Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
• Premier Clark’s fifth trade mission to Asia, which included Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development Rich Coleman and industry delegates, travelled to Malaysia and Singapore in early May.
• During the mission, the Premier signed agreements with Southeast Asian energy companies Woodfibre LNG and PETRONAS to advance the growth of LNG in B.C.
• The ASEAN region ranks sixth in the world as a destination for B.C. goods exports. B.C. exports to ASEAN markets were valued at $672 million in 2013, a 27% increase over 2012 totals.

Media Contacts:

Sam Oliphant
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
250 952-7252

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
and Responsible for the Asia Pacific
Strategy and Multiculturalism
778 977-0298