Top executives from companies involved in B.C.’s Pacific Gateway program are heading to Asia to drum up international business by trumpeting the province’s $22 billion investment in ports, railways, roads and airports.
B.C. Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Shirley Bond told the Vancouver Board of Trade Friday morning that growing business at B.C. ports and expanding Asia Pacific trade make it an ideal time to promote the Gateway in Asia.
She noted that Port Metro Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert have seen dramatic increases in cargo volumes and significant improvements to capacity, technology and service.
Total tonnage handled at Port Metro Vancouver and Prince Rupert Port is up by nearly 20% and 34% respectively from 2009.
Senior executives from Pacific Gateway partners Port Metro Vancouver, Port of Prince Rupert, Canadian National, Canadian Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and Vancouver International Airport will join Bond for the 10-day trade mission, which starts November 1, and includes Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and China.
The goal is secure the Gateway’s position as the preferred supply chain for trade between Asia and North America.