BC to open new trade and investment office in Hong Kong

Premier Christy Clark announced while visiting Hong Kong that a new trade and investment office will be opened in the city to increase British Columbia's economic ties with the global financial centre.

"British Columbia is Canada's Gateway to the Pacific, and we look forward to building on our already strong business and cultural connections with Hong Kong," Clark said.

"China is British Columbia's second-largest trading partner and is a vital and growing market for our products, services and resources, particularly natural gas."

According to a news release, a trade and investment representative will be in place in the new Hong Kong office in November and will work in conjunction with BC trade representatives in Shanghai, Beijing and Gangzhou to attract investment. BC's natural gas industry, in particular, is a focus of attention as Clark intends to have three Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) plants operating in Northern BC by 2020.  

This marks the Premier's third trip to Asia since taking office. Expanding trade with Asia has been a central focus of the provincial government's Jobs BC Plan. Clark plans to double BC's international presence by 2013 in order to attract direct investment to the province.