British Columbia Premier David Eby is embarking on an international trade mission to Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia from June 1 to June 10 as part of a business delegation. The trip aims to strengthen ties with existing customers who buy goods from British Columbia.
Eby stated, “This trip is part of our joint plan with the federal government to make Canada more independent and less reliant on the United States. We are working together to diversify our trade relationships.”
Trade Relationships
- Japan ranks third among B.C.’s trading partners after mainland China and the U.S., which absorbs about 55% of provincial exports.
- South Korea ranks fourth.
The visit will focus on finding new customers for natural resources in high demand worldwide, including:
- Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
- Coal
- Copper
- Other minerals such as gold and silver
Eby’s delegation will explore ways to deepen economic ties during their visit abroad. The province has been working closely with Japanese companies such as:
- Mitsui & Co.
- Mitsubishi Corp.
- Sumitomo Corp.
- Itochu Corp.
These companies have invested heavily in B.C.’s LNG sector. South Korea is also a key market for B.C.’s forest products industry, while Malaysia has become an important customer for its seafood exports.
Expanding Global Connections
Canada seeks to expand its global connections beyond its traditional markets, mainly the U.S., amid growing competition from other countries seeking new markets for their goods following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last year. By engaging with countries like Japan and South Korea, B.C.’s economy can benefit from increased trade opportunities that could help offset potential losses from disruptions at ports along Canada’s west coast due to climate change or supply chain bottlenecks elsewhere in North America or the Asia-Pacific region.
B.C.’s economy relies heavily on international trade; about two-thirds of all goods produced by businesses operating within the province are exported outside Canada each year.
Schedule of Meetings
Eby was scheduled to depart from Vancouver International Airport for Tokyo, where he will meet Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ahead of attending G7 summit meetings next week. He also plans meetings with Japanese business leaders, including:
- Mitsui & Co President Kenichi Horiuchi
- Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd CEO Seiji Izumisawa
- Sumitomo Corp Chairman Masakazu Tokura
- Itochu Corp President Akira Nanba
- Toyota Motor Corporation CEO Toshiaki Mikoshiba
In Seoul, he plans talks at Blue Square Samsung Hall located inside COEX Convention Center, where he will meet Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, followed by meetings with Korean business leaders, including Hyundai Motor Group Vice Chairman Chung Eui-sun.
In Kuala Lumpur, Eby plans talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, followed by meetings with Malaysian business leaders, including Petronas President Tunku Muhammad Muda Aminah Shah Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Ismail Petra.
Pre-Departure Visits
Premier Eby also planned visits prior to his departure overseas:
- Tuesday evening: Visiting Surrey Memorial Hospital construction site
- Wednesday morning: Visiting Vancouver International Airport before departing overseas.
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