Province targets new markets with trade strategy

A new approach to help more businesses with exporting and investing internationally was announced by the province last week.

The Trade Diversification Strategy targets three new markets for increased exports and investment, as well as expansion in existing markets. The aim is to help BC businesses "grow on the world stage while creating jobs and protecting British Columbians from supply-chain disruptions and global uncertainties."

The new target markets are Mexico, Vietnam and Taiwan. The province will add Trade and Investment Representative offices in Taiwan and Mexico. Offices have also been opened in Vietnam.

The Trade Diversification Strategy will provide funding to successful programs, including $1.2 million annually for Export Navigator and $913,000 to deliver new cohorts of the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), which supports BC businesses and entrepreneurs to be export ready.