Exhibiting at Seafood Expo North America 2025

Trade and Invest British Columbia is the official trade and investment promotion agency of the Province of British Columbia, Canada, tasked with fostering economic growth by attracting foreign investment and supporting the export success of B.C.-based businesses. Headquartered in Vancouver, the agency operates globally through a network of international trade and investment representatives across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Core Business and Service Offerings

Trade and Invest British Columbia provides a wide range of services designed to facilitate international business engagement. Its core functions include:

• Investment Attraction

  • Identifying and supporting inbound foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities
  • Offering site selection assistance and business climate insights
  • Connecting investors with local governments, industry partners, and service providers

• Export Promotion

  • Helping B.C. companies enter and expand in international markets
  • Organizing trade missions, B2B matchmaking, and market intelligence support
  • Providing export-readiness assessments and sector-specific programs

• Business Expansion Support

  • Advising foreign-owned enterprises operating in B.C. on expansion strategies
  • Offering aftercare services and regulatory guidance

These services are provided free of charge and are customized to the needs of businesses seeking to engage with British Columbia’s economy.

Specialization and Unique Strengths

Trade and Invest B.C. is recognized for its sector-focused, data-driven, and client-oriented approach. Unique strengths include:

• Global Reach: In-market representatives in China, Japan, India, Korea, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the U.S.

• Sector Expertise: Dedicated teams for key sectors such as:

  • Agrifoods and Seafood
  • Clean Technology
  • Digital Media and ICT
  • Forestry and Value-Added Wood
  • Life Sciences
  • Mining and Natural Resources
  • Transportation and Infrastructure

• Public-Private Collaboration: Strong partnerships with federal agencies (e.g., Global Affairs Canada), provincial ministries, chambers of commerce, and indigenous economic development offices

Financial and Operational Insights

Operating as part of the B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, the agency is publicly funded. While direct revenue metrics are not applicable, key performance indicators include:

• Over 200 investment and expansion projects facilitated annually
• Hundreds of B.C. companies assisted in global trade development
• Support for bilateral trade agreements and international partnerships
• Annual participation in 30+ international trade shows, missions, and business forums

British Columbia's total exports reached CAD 64.9 billion in 2022, with Trade and Invest B.C. playing a significant role in driving sector-specific growth, particularly in agrifood, seafood, and technology.

International Engagement and Trade Development

Trade and Invest B.C. has been instrumental in:

• Supporting Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy with active trade offices in Asia
• Promoting British Columbia’s Blue Economy and sustainable seafood exports
• Facilitating partnerships in the clean tech and renewable energy sectors with European markets
• Driving cross-border collaborations with U.S. states including Washington and California

The agency is a key organizer of international engagement platforms such as:

• B.C. Export Awards
• Natural Resources Forums
• B.C. Agrifood and Seafood Export Events

Target Market

Trade and Invest B.C. engages with:

• International investors and corporations seeking opportunities in Canada
• B.C.-based SMEs and exporters aiming for global market expansion
• Foreign government delegations, chambers, and industry associations
• Multinational companies evaluating expansion in North America

The agency supports both inbound investment and outbound trade, facilitating growth for a diverse set of industries and company sizes.

Capabilities and Infrastructure

• Global network of trade representatives
• Sector-specific market intelligence and databases
• Investment opportunity directories and regional profiles
• Tailored advisory services for market entry and site selection
• Multilingual support and cultural business facilitation

The agency maintains deep knowledge of local regulatory environments, economic development incentives, and labor market dynamics.

Certifications and Compliance

As a government entity, Trade and Invest B.C. complies with:

• Government of British Columbia transparency and procurement policies
• Canadian federal trade standards and investment protocols
• Public sector privacy and confidentiality laws (FIPPA)

These ensure the agency operates with high standards of integrity, accountability, and public service ethics.

Stakeholder Feedback and Public Recognition

Trade and Invest B.C. has received strong endorsements from:

• B.C. exporters for its strategic support during COVID-19 disruptions
• Foreign investors for facilitating smooth market entry and expansion
• International organizations including APEC, OECD, and ASEAN forums for promoting economic resilience and collaboration

Its efforts are frequently highlighted in provincial economic development reviews and international trade forums.

Major Achievements

• Facilitated billions in foreign direct investment into British Columbia over the last decade
• Supported hundreds of B.C. companies in entering and expanding in international markets
• Played a key role in B.C.'s record seafood exports to Asia, especially to China and Japan
• Strengthened Indigenous economic partnerships and rural export initiatives
• Enhanced global visibility for B.C. through digital platforms and in-person global presence

Trade and Invest British Columbia remains a vital bridge between B.C.’s dynamic economy and the global marketplace, offering resources, expertise, and international networks to drive sustainable, inclusive, and high-value trade and investment growth.