The Province of British Columbia has long been positioning itself as Canada’s gateway to the Asia-Pacific, and the message remained the same Tuesday night as the Burnaby Board of Trade (BBOT) hosted the Honourable Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, for a presentation on Asia Pacific Trade and his recent return from a trade mission to China with Premier Christy Clark.  

The delegation, which also included stops in India for the Premier, was the largest in BC history according to the Minister. Three hundred and fifty people took part representing one hundred and fifty businesses and organizations. Some highlights of the mission included more than sixty business deals and partnership agreements, 618million board feet of lumber sold, and the opening of two Sichuan reconstruction projects (following the devastating earthquake in 2008). In addition, mining expansion is expected to create 6,700 new jobs for British Columbians, and the Province will look to attract 2,500 new international students.

The event, which took place at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown and was presented by Electronic Arts Canada, also provided attendees an opportunity to ask the Minister questions in an open Q&A to conclude the evening. “It’s important that our business community is able to ask about the decisions and policies that affect all of us,” said BBOT President and CEO Paul Holden. That’s what these events are all about – bridging the gap between businesses and government at all levels, and providing our membership with unique access to elected officials and policy makers.”

“Asia-Pacific trade is a major topic for the Burnaby business community,” Holden continued. “The BBOT has a Pacific Gateway Committee that devotes a great deal of their time to keeping us all informed on these issues, and when we have the opportunity to hear from a knowledgeable speaker like Minister Bell, I think that’s something the community can appreciate.”

The Burnaby Board of Trade regularly hosts high profile speakers like Minister Bell as part of their ongoing Distinguished Speakers Series. BBOT members and future members can find out more about upcoming events at www.bbot.ca/events.