BC: Building even stronger ties to China

The government of British Columbia, BC for short, has long considered trade with China crucial to the economic prosperity of the westernmost province of Canada. For more than a decade, trade missions to China by the provincial government have focused on encouraging stronger trade relations, especially in forest products. BC remains a global leader in this sector, and is one of the world's largest exporters of softwood lumber.

"The dramatic increase in BC's lumber exports to China has brought great benefits for both sides," says Teresa Wat, the province's minister of international trade. "China has been introduced to wood products and building systems that are low-carbon, energy efficient, and seismically stable. In turn, BC has seen its forest sector greatly strengthened through increased trade."

This tremendous growth in business with China is based on BC's long-term commitment to building trade with China.