Premier Christy Clark is talking up the results of her recent trade mission to India and China.
“We set out on our jobs and trade mission to open doors, strengthen existing relationships, and set the stage for future success in China and India,” Clark said in a press release.
“After being in Asia for nearly two weeks with hundreds of representatives from business, education and cultural organizations, I can unequivocally state it was mission accomplished.”
According to the province, trade mission highlights include:
- more than 60 business deals and partnerships signed or announced;
- Clark’s attendance at approximately 70 events and meetings with business and political leaders;
- 618 million board feet of lumber sold;
- almost 30 educational partnerships and agreements achieved between institutes in B.C. and their counterparts in India and China;
- an announcement that B.C. will bid on the 2013 International Indian Film Academy Awards; and
- a co-operation agreement with India on mineral exploration and mining.
Other deals announced during the mission include:
- $1.36 billion of investment from China in two major B.C. mining projects (see “Clark’s trade mission to China nets huge dividends” – BIV Business Today, November 10); and
- the expansion of Ballard Power Systems’ (TSX:BLD) alliance with an Indian subsidiary (See “Ballard to provide fuel cell power in India” – BIV Business Today, November 15.
The mission included 350 delegates from approximately 150 companies and organizations. The province said it was the largest largest international delegation in B.C.’s history.
Jenny Wagler
@JennyWagler_BIV