PREMIER David Eby on Monday stopped by the Embassy of Canada in Beijing ahead of a day full of meetings focused on investment in B.C. where he focused on opportunities to grow agriculture, tourism, forestry and clean energy.
Of note, he met with PetroChina to thank them for being part of the investor group that advanced LNG Canada Phase 1 and to encourage investment in Phase 2 of LNG Canada. Phase 1 currently is the largest private investment project Canada has ever seen. If given the green light, Phase 2 could be even bigger, bringing thousands of jobs across B.C. and prosperity across Canada.
Eby also met with officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development to promote BC’s forestry industry. For decades British Columbia’s forest sector has established relationships focused on a variety of goals including sustainable building practices. B.C.’s Forest Ministry is a signatory to a tripartite agreement between the Chinese ministry and Natural Resources Canada to continue this work.
The Premier also met with business executives in agrifood, biotechnology, forestry, energy and tourism to gain insight on growing B.C.’s trade in China. The day concluded with a showcase of some of what B.C. has to offer as a tourist destination with a reception hosted by Destination BC. Demand was so great, a larger room had to be found, according to the Province.
TUESDAY UPDATE
Day 2 of Eby’s trade mission was focused on clean energy and how B.C.’s LNG can help China with its efforts towards decarbonization.
Throughout the day’s meetings, executives showed awareness of all LNG projects advancing in B.C. In particular, the Premier met with two major players in the energy market looking to diversify and potentially invest in British Columbia. He also met with a purchaser of B.C. LNG.
WEDNESDAY UPDATE
Day three started in Shanghai with a series of back-to-back meetings focused on forestry and energy. Then, it was off to promote B.C.’s sustainable forestry practices and B.C. wood products.
Eby met with several companies focused on expanding in North America and planning new facilities and manufacturing jobs in Canada. They include Anhui CAHOME Co. and Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Co. The meetings focused on developing relationships and encouraging investments in B.C.
At the East China Architectural Design and Research Institute the Premier addressed architects, wood buyers, importers, builders and designers where he pitched B.C. wood and wood products as the best in the world. In China, sustainability in all areas, including forestry, is a big focus. While at the institute, Eby also checked out a BC Wood display.
Finally, on the Premier’s behalf, Minister Mike Farnworth promoted B.C.’s tourism, agrifood, seafood, fruit, processed food and beverage, and natural health products to 130 Chinese importers and retailers at a networking reception.
