OPINION: Working with international partners to make life better for people in B.C.

 

BY JOHN HORGAN

Premier of B.C

 

BUILDING a strong, sustainable economy means working with trade partners around the world to expand markets and create good jobs for people in B.C.

We’re making sure B.C. is connected and competitive, and we’re working hard to attract more investment to our province.

That’s why our government is going on a 10-day mission to China, South Korea and Japan to establish new government-to government relationships and let people know that B.C. is open to international business.

B.C.’s trade and investment relationships in Asia are vital to our economic prosperity. These three countries are among our province’s largest trading partners. To open up new opportunities for B.C. businesses in forestry, clean tech, energy, technology, education and tourism, we need to cultivate strong relationships in Asia. That’s exactly what we’re doing.

Instead of looking to one sector to create jobs, we’re working to strengthen traditional industries while supporting small business, tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and innovation.

2018 is the Canada-China Year of Tourism. China is one of our province’s most important growing markets for tourism. B.C. is a world class destination, and we’re committed to promoting our province around grow our tourism industry around the province. And as winter sports grow in popularity in China, we’re putting B.C. on the map as a prime ski destination.

Demand for environmentally sustainable construction is growing in China, and we’re taking every opportunity to promote the environmental benefits of B.C. wood building products and wood frame construction.

We’re also tackling the challenges of climate change and working with international leaders to cut carbon pollution, make buildings more energy efficient, advance renewable energy technology to help spur innovation in the growing low-carbon economy.

Our province is open, inclusive and competitive, and we welcome the movement of people and the advancement of economic and cultural connections. We’re going to make sure that message is heard loud and clear in Asia, and around the world.

This is just part of the important work our government is doing to make life better for people in B.C.

I’m proud to do it on your behalf.

Together, we can create good-paying jobs in every corner of the province, and make sure everyone benefits from B.C.’s economy, resources and environment. Because our economy should work for everyone, not just the few at the top.