BC Government News Release: Premier’s mission supports good-paying jobs, new opportunities for people in BC
Details from this BC Government news release:
As part of ongoing work to diversify trade, Premier David Eby is leading a trade mission to China to strengthen commercial ties with the province’s second-largest trading partner and explore new opportunities to support good-paying jobs for people in British Columbia’s forestry, energy, tourism and agriculture sectors.
“Because unjustified tariffs from the U.S. and gas price increases from the war in Iran are hurting B.C. businesses and families, we are prioritizing diverse relationships with multiple trading partners to support good jobs and protect people in B.C.,” said Premier Eby. “China is the world’s second-largest economy and is our second-largest export market for B.C. goods and services. Encouraging tourism while selling more B.C. wood, agricultural products and energy will mean more money for families and more money to pay for the services British Columbians deserve.”
From June 27 until July 3, 2026, Premier Eby will meet with government and business leaders in key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to strengthen partnerships and create new opportunities for B.C. business.
China is B.C.’s second-largest export market and the second-biggest market for provincial agrifood exports. British Columbia and China share a longstanding partnership with collaboration across a range of areas from sustainable forest management to wood construction innovation and clean energy.
Promoting British Columbia’s key industries
The mission builds on longstanding ties between British Columbia and China, including strong people-to-people and business-to-business ties and more than 30 years of a sister-province partnership between B.C. and Guangdong, first signed in 1995.
The Province is working on strengthening tourism ties with China by advocating for increased air connectivity, developing new travel routes and experiences, and welcoming more Chinese visitors to the province.
“British Columbia is Canada’s West Coast gateway to the world, offering strategic access to global markets through world-class ports, airports and infrastructure,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “Through our Look West strategy, this trade mission to China will showcase B.C.’s strengths in forestry, energy, tourism and agriculture. By reducing our reliance on U.S. markets through diversified trade partnerships, we will create good jobs and prosperity for all British Columbians.”
The mission builds on B.C.’s trade-diversification strategy and is part of the Look West strategy, which sets the goal of doubling exports to non-U.S. markets over 10 years. Recent trade missions to Asia and Europe have showcased B.C.’s vast range of opportunities in life sciences, technology, agriculture, forestry, ocean science, sustainability and innovation.
Destination BC’s Role
Destination BC’s Vice President of Global Marketing Maya Lange will be in attendance with our China in-market team.
During the trade mission, our team will be conducting meetings with industry partners, including Air Canada, China Eastern Airlines, 6renyou (online travel agency), 8 Continents Travel (travel agency), Zuzuche (road trip service provider), and Axis Leisure.
Maya will also have speaking engagements as part of the mission, focusing on strengthening BC–China tourism relationships and reinforcing China’s importance as a key international market for British Columbia. Destination BC will highlight BC’s tourism growth ambitions, investments in access and visitor experiences, the return of Approved Destination Status and improved air connectivity, and the opportunity to leverage major events such as the FIFA World Cup 26™ to attract more Chinese visitors and deepen long-term tourism partnerships.
Events during the mission include a Beijing reception, a Shanghai agrifoods evening event, and a Guangzhou Destination BC-led tourism lunch.
In 2026, leisure travelers to BC from China are expected to grow from 168,586 generating $487 million in 2025, to 198,927 (+18%) generating $589 million (+21%).
Currently, BC offers 26 direct weekly flights from mainland China to Vancouver—about 40% of 2019 levels alongside 42 additional weekly flights from Hong Kong and Taiwan.
The majority of Chinese travellers to BC visit the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region (91%). Through Destination BC’s Iconics strategy, areas and routes beyond Greater Vancouver will be promoted through travel trade, travel media and consumer activities, specifically Rainforest to Rockies, Valleys & Vineyards, the Infinite Coast and ski.
