By Mata Press Service

Premier David Eby will lead a high-level trade mission to Asia from June 1 to June 10, with a focus on strengthening partnerships, increasing investment, diversifying trade, and creating good jobs for British Columbians.

“Our largest trading partner has become increasingly unreliable, so now is the time to expand international markets for B.C. goods and develop deeper bonds with other countries,” said Premier Eby. “This trade mission is about showcasing all that B.C. has to offer, deepening our relationship with major customers, supporting good jobs here at home and building our province’s position as the economic engine of a stronger and more independent Canada.”

The 10-day mission will include stops in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; and Seoul, South Korea. Premier Eby will be accompanied by Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food; Paul Choi, Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific Trade; as well as representatives from B.C. businesses and research universities.

“Farmers and food processers run an economic engine for the province, creating more than 40,000 jobs and nearly $6 billion in export sales every year,” said Minister Popham. “I am excited to showcase the best of what B.C. has to offer on an international stage while opening up new opportunities for trade, growth and innovation.”

The delegation will promote B.C.’s strengths and work to build relationships that support trade and investment in key sectors such as clean energy, B.C. wood and forestry products, technology, liquefied natural gas (LNG), critical minerals, and agricultural goods — including halal foods and seafood.

The mission builds on British Columbia’s trade diversification strategy and follows up on the Premier’s 2023 trade mission to the region. Over the course of the trip, B.C. officials will meet with government leaders, business executives, and investors to explore opportunities and align on shared priorities in high-demand sectors.

Quick Facts:

• The Indo-Pacific is the world’s fastest-growing economic region, and by 2040 is expected to account for more than half the global economy.

• More than 41% of B.C.’s merchandise exports – totalling approximately $22.4 billion in 2024 – are directed toward Indo-Pacific markets.

• Japan and South Korea are B.C.’s third- and fourth-largest trading partners, with 17% of all B.C. merchandise exports going to those two markets.

• Almost half of all Canadian exports to South Korea originate in B.C., and B.C.’s share of Canadian exports to Japan is more than 38%.