christy with virk

Victoria: BC Premier Christy Clark will travel to India for her sixth international trade mission from October 9 to 18. She will visit New Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh during her tour.

Advanced Education Minister Amrik Virk and a group of registered delegates will accompany her.

During the tour Premier will meet with key business and government officials of India. Amrik Virk will also travel to Bangalore to raise awareness of the great potential for secondary and post-secondary education partnerships, joint research initiatives, and student exchange between B.C. and India.

The trade mission will focus on a number of key areas including education, natural gas and other resources, agrifoods, clean technology, life sciences, film and digital arts, and finance.

BC government consider India as an emerging trade partner for British Columbia. In 2013, B.C. goods exports to India were worth $468 million, an increase of 45% compared to the same period in 2012.

Opening and expanding markets for our goods and services is a pillar of the BC Jobs Plan. Trade missions are a critical part of British Columbia’s strategy to strengthen and diversify its international trading partners and secure new investment, propelling economic activity and job creation throughout the province.

Quick Facts:

  • B.C. exports to India increased more than 296% between 2001 and 2013.
  • The top commodity exports to India in 2013 were coal, copper, wood pulp and news print.
  • The number of students coming to B.C. from India has grown more than 188% over the last three years.
  • In 2013, India ranked as the sixth-highest market destination for British Columbia exports, after five years of steady increases.