More than 350 delegates will be at today’s sold-out B.C.-Korea Trade and Investment Forum in Burnaby, where the session, The Opportunity is Now, is one of several eagerly awaited by entrepreneurs who are new to or wanting to enter the market.

Rob Bakshi, CEO of Apivio Systems Inc., will share the secrets of how his Richmond-based company has benefited from its roots in the Korean marketplace — selling over four million phones since 2003, and growing a market for products both here and abroad.

Apivio designs and develops cutting edge voice technologies, making business and personal communication its focal point. The company has technology, customers and distribution in South Korea and is now growing rapidly in North America. Its next big move is aimed at the Canadian market and Apivio is hoping investor interest will be piqued at the forum.

Bakshi noted that Korea’s technology is ahead of its time and with Korea’s adaptable and welcoming business environment, he believes that the new Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) will open up limitless opportunities. It’s a view shared by the B.C. government and other forum attendees.

In fact, technology is one of three economic sectors expected to benefit the most as a result of the CKFTA. From mining, to forestry, to agrifood — technology impacts every aspect of our economy. It’s why technology is one of key sectors targeted in the BC Jobs Plan.

Through the BC Jobs Plan, British Columbia can grow its technology sector by expanding access to priority markets such as South Korea. This gives B.C. businesses and communities of all sizes the potential for immense growth and an opportunity to strengthen local economies and create jobs.

Join the forum through the live webcast now: http://ow.ly/OuYkf

Quotes:

Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade -

“The world, and indeed the global business community, is getting smaller. Growing businesses need to know who, what and how to expand their reach into fast-growing markets such as Korea. That is what the B.C.-Korea Trade and Investment Forum is about - giving businesses the tools, opportunities and connections to expand. And with the new free trade agreement, the time to move is now.”

Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovations and Citizen Services -

“B.C. needs to seize the moment with our Korean entrepreneurs and bring their business to a whole new level of development. B.C.’s success in the tech industry will only grow by leaps and bounds by reaching beyond our borders.”

Rob Bakshi, CEO, Apivio Systems Inc. -

“Expanding a business into the global market is not easy, but it’s worth the effort. My advice to any business or entrepreneur wanting to break into a new market is simple: have a realistic plan and achievable goals, and understand your target market. You will be working with another language and different business practices. Do your homework. Events such as the B.C.-Korea Trade and Investment Forum can help make those important connections to people who can help you achieve your goals.”

Quick Facts:

• The Canada - Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) has been in effect since Jan. 1, 2015.
• With the CKFTA, the Government of Canada predicts that exports of goods and services to South Korea will increase by as much as 32% and boost Canadian gross domestic product by $1.7 billion annually.
• The forum will focus on the sectors where B.C. is expected to benefit the most: agrifoods and seafood, natural resources and technology.
• In 2014, the Province exported $29 million in machinery and equipment goods to South Korea, including electronic products.
• In 2014, the Province’s top imports from South Korea included high-tech goods such as cell phones ($54.3 million).
• The CKFTA has eliminated all tariffs on information and communications technology goods, such as mobile phones, smart phones, laptops, tablets, integrated circuits and other components, both for B.C. retailers and manufacturers.

Learn More:

For those who cannot attend, the forum will be live webcast here: http://ow.ly/ODMZl

To learn more about the Forum, visit: http://ow.ly/OuUfU

For the full program of exciting speakers, see: www.bc-koreaforum.ca

To learn more about Apivio, visit: www.apivio.com

Learn more about B.C. trade and investment opportunities: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/

Find out how international trade is creating new jobs in B.C.: www.bcjobsplan.ca

To find out more about the CKFTA, visit: http://ow.ly/H5rCE

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of International Trade
250 858-0555