Premier John Horgan departed today to Guangzhou, China, as part of a 10-day mission to China, South Korea and Japan to strengthen economic and cultural ties with three of B.C.’s largest trading partners, expand markets, and create good jobs for people throughout B.C.

Premier Horgan will promote bilateral relationships between British Columbia and key government and business leaders. The Premier will be accompanied by Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston and Minister of State for Trade George Chow. Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Lisa Beare will participate in the China portion of the mission to foster tourism opportunities in support of the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism.

The agenda includes bilateral meetings to advance collaboration with B.C.’s sister provinces, Guangdong, China and Gyeonggi, Korea. Other meetings and events will focus on opening up investment and trade opportunities in key sectors, including tourism, low-carbon and clean technology, forestry, energy, mining, innovation and tech, agrifoods, seafood, and arts and culture.

China, Japan and South Korea are B.C.’s second-, third- and fourth-largest trading partners, respectively. Developing strong business relationships in priority markets around the world is a key strategy in government’s commitment to building a strong, sustainable economy.

Travel Itinerary:

• Jan. 20 – Depart from Vancouver
• Jan. 21 – Guangzhou, China
• Jan. 23 – Beijing, China
• Jan. 25 – Seoul, South Korea
• Jan. 27 – Tokyo, Japan