MORE than 2,300 people from 25 countries attended BC Business House events during the FIFA World Cup 2026, creating new opportunities for B.C. businesses to reach new international markets as part of the Province’s Look West strategy.

“At a time of growing global uncertainty, it has never been more important to help B.C. businesses build lasting economic connections with international leaders and investors,” said Adrian Dix, acting Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, on Wednesday. “BC Business House was another important way we continue to help businesses reach customers in new, diverse markets so they can grow and create more good jobs for people in communities throughout our province and be less reliant on the U.S.”

During the World Cup’s seven matches at BC Place in Vancouver, BC Business House brought together B.C. government and business leaders with international investors and visiting delegations to create new opportunities for trade, investment and partnership across sectors that are key to a stronger economic future for the province.

It included sector showcases of technology, life sciences, mining, energy, agriculture and food processing, tourism and trade and logistics infrastructure, targeted for growth in the Look West strategy.

“For five exciting weeks, Vancouver was at the centre of the sporting world, introducing our city and province to millions of viewers and thousands of visitors from around the globe,” said Bridgitte Anderson, president and CEO, Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. “We appreciate the Province’s efforts to leverage this unique opportunity through BC Business House, creating a venue for business leaders, investors and international delegates to connect, showcase British Columbia’s strengths and explore opportunities for future collaboration.”

A voluntary survey of people in attendance of the sector showcases showed that 91.5% of attendees rated the experience positively, while 81.2% reported success in establishing meaningful new business connections. Also, 88.5% indicated their perception of B.C. as a positive place to do business increased because of the showcases.

In addition to BC Business House, the Province secured the use of a 10-person suite for the seven matches hosted at BC Place to support economic development and attraction activities.

To support government hosting obligations and responsibilities, protocol requirements and advance economic development goals, provincial FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets were allocated for use in accordance with a provincial ticketing directive. The directive limited attendance to no more than two ministers at any individual match. Individuals who attended matches using provincial FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets included certain elected and appointed officials, such as ministers, board chairs of Crown corporations and limited government staff, supporting the performance of official functions.

“Hosting major international events strengthens B.C.’s reputation as a premier destination and the FIFA World Cup 2026 was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance our Look West Tourism Sector Action Plan,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Having successfully showcased B.C.’s natural beauty, world-class hospitality and commitment to sustainable growth, we’re turning this into benefits for British Columbians, including investment in communities, good jobs and increased tourism revenues to help fund essential programs we all rely on.”

The FIFA World Cup is expected to leave a legacy for British Columbia, with investments that support long-term, sustainable growth and enhance the Province’s capacity to attract visitors, events and business opportunities.

BC Business House was another step forward in the Province’s Look West strategy, which has focuses on expanding international partnerships, increasing exports to non-U.S. markets and attracting significant private-sector investment.

Rob Goehring, executive director, AI Network of BC, said: “BC Business House created a powerful platform to tell British Columbia’s technology story in a global context. The program reinforced how much opportunity exists when we connect international audiences with the companies, talent and applied innovation being built here. As global attention turns to B.C. through major events like FIFA, initiatives like this help position our province not just as a place to visit, but as a place to build, invest, partner and scale.”

Joy Johnson, president and vice-chancellor, Simon Fraser University (SFU), said: “BC Business House brought together governments, Indigenous communities, industry leaders and investors to showcase the strength of British Columbia’s innovation economy. SFU was proud to co-present the technology showcase and help connect leaders in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies – sectors that are vital to B.C.’s economy and prosperity. Many of those conversations are already leading to new opportunities for collaboration and new jobs. We thank the Province for its leadership in this area and look forward to building on this momentum.”

Jacquie Griffiths, president, Invest Vancouver, said: “FIFA World Cup 2026 created unprecedented opportunities for global business connections. At BC Business House, Invest Vancouver was able to showcase the region’s economic opportunities and form relationships that open the door to future investment, jobs and economic growth.”

Ellie Rahmani, co-founder and CEO, CNANO Pharmaceuticals (Innovation UBC Venture), said: “The event was an excellent platform to showcase our technology, validate market interest and strengthen relationships within British Columbia’s life-sciences and innovation community. We appreciate the opportunity to participate along with Innovation UBC team.”

BACKGROUNDER
What to know about BC Business House events

* Twenty-two business-related events were hosted at BC Business House.

* Sector showcase stats:
– 23% of attendees’ primary goal was pursuing investment and research and innovation opportunity

– 41% of sector-showcase attendees were businesses

– 5% identified themselves as private capital investors

* Representatives, businesses, diplomats and delegations from around the world participated in BC Business House activities, including Afghanistan, Albania, Australia, Austria, Barbados, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Finland, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Romania, South Korea, Sweden, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union and Japan.

* Vancouver International Airport welcomed an average of approximately 88,000 passengers each day during the tournament period, with passenger volumes increasing to approximately 91,000 travellers daily during the Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches.

* Businesses across the tourism, hospitality, retail and transportation sectors saw increased customers and sales.

* Community celebrations, fan festivals and cultural events helped showcase British Columbia to a global audience, strengthening the province’s reputation as a destination to visit, invest and do business.