The BC Wood Specialties Group (BC Wood), which promotes the use of British Columbian wood products internationally, has a brand-new office and showroom in the heart of Tokyo to highlight the quality of value-added wood products from British Columbia.

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson officially opened the facility during the 2015 Forestry Asia Trade Mission. The new showroom illustrates the ongoing commitment by the B.C. government, the Canadian government and the forest industry to supply the Japanese market with value-added wood products. It will also allow the country’s builders and developers to learn more about the advantages of using B.C. timber.

Trade mission delegates were joined at the official opening by representatives of the Tokyu Corporation, which recently incorporated B.C. western red cedar in its nearby Log Road Daikanyama commercial development. This high-profile project was completed in April 2015 and consists of five buildings constructed along a 220-metre stretch of the Tokyu Toyoko railway line. The site covers 3,200 square metres and contains 1,900 square metres of retail space.

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.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson –

“This new facility will allow Japan’s developers and builders to experience first-hand the beauty of B.C.’s wood products and learn more about the many advantages of using B.C. timber.”

Brian Hawrysh, chief executive officer of BC Wood –

“BC Wood wishes to thank Minister Thomson for coming here to open BC Wood's new Tokyo showroom for value-added wood products. As part of the Canada Wood initiative, this showroom will highlight the beauty and variety of Canadian value-added wood products for our many clients in Japan. BC Wood would also like to acknowledge the ongoing assistance provided by our provincial and federal partners, B.C.’s Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd. and Natural Resources Canada. Their support has made the opening of this new showroom possible.”

Quick Facts:

• The BC Wood Specialties Group (BC Wood) is a not-for-profit trade association that supports British Columbian businesses that manufacture wood products.
• In 2012, there were 589 value-added businesses employing over 12,000 people throughout B.C. with export sales totalling over $365 million.

Learn More:

Follow the Forestry Asia Trade Mission updates online: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/2015-forestry-trade-mission-to-asia

On Twitter: @BCJobsPlan, @BCGovNews, #TM2015

On Facebook: BCJobsPlan, BCProvincialGovernment

BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/

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

Log Road Daikanyama project: http://www.logroad-daikanyama.jp/language.php#tabs01