The Province of British Columbia welcomed the Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Japan, to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support collaboration and advance business opportunities in the clean-tech sector.

On behalf of the Government of British Columbia and Premier Christy Clark, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk met with Governor Ichiro Matsui to discuss B.C. and Osaka Prefecture’s mutual economic priorities, including expanding relationships in clean technology and fuel cells.

Targeted areas of co-operation include hydrogen- and fuel-cell vehicles, electric vehicles and related batteries/ charging and fuelling facilities or infrastructure. These clean technologies will lead Osaka and B.C. to further become low carbon economies. B.C. recently celebrated its sixth consecutive year of carbon neutrality.

The signing of the MOU strengthens ties between B.C. and Osaka and supports B.C. and Osaka clean-tech companies to explore potential business opportunities resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship. Governor Matsui also met with Ballard Power Systems during his visit and B.C. hosted a roundtable with leading fuel cell companies, such as Green Light Innovation.

B.C. and Osaka Prefecture have a long-standing history of collaboration. Major corporations headquartered in Osaka with connections to B.C. include Osaka Gas Company Ltd., Kansai Electric Power Company and Takeda Pharmaceutical.

(flickr.com)

Quotes:

Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk –

“Today’s signing of the memorandum of understanding signifies our commitment to the clean technology sector, while building and strengthening our relationship with Osaka Prefecture. Through this partnership, we are opening the doors to exploring business opportunities and creating jobs in B.C.”

Governor of Osaka Prefecture Ichiro Matsui –

“We believe that the signing of this MOU will be an important first step between Osaka and British Columbia, both of which have similarity in concentration of companies and their potentials in clean technology, for the two governments to strengthen cooperation, for business exchange to be encouraged, and we also believe that these will lead to further promotion of the clean technology industry in the two regions.”

Quick Facts:

• Osaka Prefecture has a population of 8.9 million.
• The region of Osaka (Kansai) is the second largest economic zone in Japan, with a GDP of approximately $340 billion.
• Osaka Prefecture is a leading centre for manufacturing industries in Japan and is home to numerous small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Learn More:

For a link to the MOU: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BC_Osaka_MOU_Sept9.pdf