PREMIER Christy Clark announced Monday that she will lead her sixth international trade mission to India this time – as part of the BC Jobs Plan’s commitment to expand international trade and investment.
Joining her will be Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk and a group of registered delegates.
The Premier will travel to New Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh October 9-18 for face-to-face meetings with key business and government officials. Virk will also travel to Bangalore to raise awareness of the great potential for secondary and post-secondary education partnerships, joint research initiatives, and student exchange between B.C. and India.
India is an emerging trade partner for British Columbia. The trade mission will focus on a number of key areas including education, natural gas and other resources, agrifoods, clean technology, life sciences, film and digital arts, and finance.
India has significant untapped potential for B.C. because:
* It is Asia’s third-largest economy and is projected to become one of the largest consumer markets in the world.
* It has a rapidly growing middle class.
* Its newly elected government is sending strong signals it is business-friendly and wants to modernize the country.
* Building strong educational ties with a growing economy and modernizing society such as India will benefit B.C. students and B.C.’s education system.
In 2013, B.C. goods exports to India were worth $468 million, an increase of 45% compared to the same period in 2012.
The province says opening and expanding markets for our goods and services is a pillar of the BC Jobs Plan. Trade missions are a critical part of British Columbia’s strategy to strengthen and diversify its international trading partners and secure new investment, propelling economic activity and job creation throughout the province.
Quick Facts:
* B.C. exports to India increased more than 296% between 2001 and 2013.
* The top commodity exports to India in 2013 were coal, copper, wood pulp and newsprint.
* The number of students coming to B.C. from India has grown more than 188% over the last three years.
* In 2013, India ranked as the sixth-highest market destination for British Columbia exports, after five years of steady increases.
Learn More:
For more information about B.C. trade and investment opportunities visit: http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/
To register as a delegate for the trade mission to India:
http://www.britishcolumbia.ca/invest/events/event-details.aspx?EventId=161
