VICTORIA - As part of the BC Jobs Plan’s commitment to expand international trade and investment, Premier Christy Clark will lead her sixth international trade mission - this time to India.

Joining her will be Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk and a group of registered delegates.

The Premier will travel to New Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh Oct. 9-18 for face-to-face meetings with key business and government officials. Virk will also travel to Bangalore to raise awareness of the great potential for secondary and post-secondary education partnerships, joint research initiatives, and student exchange between B.C. and India.

India is an emerging trade partner for British Columbia. The trade mission will focus on a number of key areas including education, natural gas and other resources, agrifoods, clean technology, life sciences, film and digital arts, and finance.

India has significant untapped potential for B.C. because:

• It is Asia's third-largest economy and is projected to become one of the largest consumer markets in the world.
• It has a rapidly growing middle class.
• Its newly elected government is sending strong signals it is business-friendly and wants to modernize the country.
• Building strong educational ties with a growing economy and modernizing society such as India will benefit B.C. students and B.C.’s education system.

In 2013, B.C. goods exports to India were worth $468 million, an increase of 45% compared to the same period in 2012.

Opening and expanding markets for our goods and services is a pillar of the BC Jobs Plan. Trade missions are a critical part of British Columbia’s strategy to strengthen and diversify its international trading partners and secure new investment, propelling economic activity and job creation throughout the province.

Quick Facts:

• B.C. exports to India increased more than 296% between 2001 and 2013.
• The top commodity exports to India in 2013 were coal, copper, wood pulp and news print.
• The number of students coming to B.C. from India has grown more than 188% over the last three years.
• In 2013, India ranked as the sixth-highest market destination for British Columbia exports, after five years of steady increases.

Learn More:

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

To register as a delegate for the trade mission to India:
http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/invest/events/event-details.aspx?EventId=161

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

Media Contacts:

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

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
778 977-0298

Media Relations
Ministry of Advanced Education
250 952-6400