Teresa Wat, Minister of International Trade and Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism issued the following statement regarding Malaysia Independence Day, also known as Merdeka Day.

“Malaysian British Columbians form an important part of British Columbia’s rich and diverse cultural mosaic. The business and family relationships that bind B.C. to Malaysia serve to strengthen our trade connections, attract new investment, and create jobs for British Columbians.

“Malaysia and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries also play an important role in furthering British Columbia’s Asia trade strategy. In 2014, Premier Clark travelled to Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong to promote the development of British Columbia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. And, as recently as March 2016, Finance Minister Michael de Jong visited Malaysia and India to advance emerging new bilateral trade and investment opportunities and promote British Columbia’s stable economy.

“As Malaysians here in B.C. and around the world celebrate Merdeka Day, the Government of British Columbia wishes them peace, prosperity and joy.”