B.C. HIRES INDIA TRADE & INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIVE

VICTORIA – British Columbia’s economic and cultural relationship with India is being strengthened thanks to the appointment of the Province’s first trade and investment representative in this emerging economic superpower, announced Ida Chong, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

“India has emerged to become one of the world’s most powerful economies and our government is very pleased to be increasing British Columbia’s presence in this key market,” said Chong, also Minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative. “British Columbia has always held close cultural and economic ties with India. By hiring on-the-ground expertise, the Province is helping B.C.-based companies form additional partnerships and trade relationships in this lucrative market.”

The Province has contracted Abroader Consultancy India Pvt Ltd. to provide trade and investment services in India. Headed by Mr. Pratap Raju, who brings a proven track record of establishing business relationships between Indian and foreign-based organization and companies, Abroader Consultancy will open and operate a dedicated trade and investment office in Bangalore (Bengaluru). It is anticipated the office will be open by early summer.

In addition to promoting British Columbia as a destination for trade and investment, the Bangalore office will advance research and innovation partnerships and support inbound trade missions and inquiries by B.C.-based companies and organizations. The office will also help Indian investors form partnerships in B.C. by working closely with the new Asia-Pacific Business Centre, located at Robson Square in Vancouver, and the Province’s India and Southeast Asia Business Development Section.

Bangalore is India’s third-most populous city and is known around the world as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of India, due to the numerous Information Technology (IT), software, aerospace and telecommunications companies and research institutes headquartered in the city. To take advantage of Bangalore’s strengths, the trade and investment office will focus on the following sectors: Information and communication technology (ICT); biotechnology and life sciences; advanced energy and environmental technology; and advanced education.

British Columbia’s bilateral trading relationship with India was worth $410 million in 2008, an increase of 120 per cent compared to 1999. Over this period of time, total British Columbia’s exports to India have more than doubled to reach $170 million in 2008.

The Bangalore office will be British Columbia’s sixth trade and investment office in Asia. The other offices are located in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo.

By 2020, the trade gain with the Asia-Pacific could be worth an estimated $76 billion for British Columbia and $230 billion for Canada. The total employment impact is estimated to be 255,000 jobs in British Columbia.

The establishment of British Columbia’s trade and investment offices is a component of the Province’s Asia-Pacific Initiative and helps establish British Columbia as Canada’s Pacific Gateway.

For more information, please visit www.CanadasPacificGateway.ca. The Asia-Pacific Business Centre can be contacted at 604 660-9727, toll-free at 1-888-880-ASIA (2742) or through email, asia.pacific@gov.bc.ca.

-30-


Media contact:	Joanne Whittier Communications Manager 250 356-9428

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.