BC Investment & Trade Commissioner to Asia named

The Society congratulates Ben Stewart on his appointment as British Columbia’s new Trade and Investment Commissioner to Asia.  Based in Beijing, Stewart will represent BC in meetings with government officials in Asia.  The commissioner’s mandate is to focus on China, Japan, and Korea, and particularly on liquefied natural gas. He will report to the premier and the minister of international trade.

B.C. announces appointment of an investment and trade commissioner

VANCOUVER – Premier Christy Clark is appointing an investment and trade commissioner to promote and advance British Columbia’s trade and economic interests and strengthen the Province’s government-to-government relationships in Asia.

“This is a crucial time in our trade relations with Asia and we want to strengthen the ties that attract new investment to British Columbia,” said Premier Clark. “The appointment of Ben Stewart sends an important signal to these markets – we want to be your partner in business. That is why we are stepping up our game, increasing our government’s presence in Asia and making clear this is a priority for us.”

The investment and trade commissioner will represent and promote British Columbia in meetings with government officials in our priority markets in Asia, including hosting and acting as an official signatory for the Province.

“One of the keys to doing business in our priority markets is building and sustaining relationships, especially government to government relationships,” said International Trade Minister Teresa Wat. “This appointment will allow key decision-makers to have direct access to a senior government official, which is a critical part of successfully doing business in Asia.”

While British Columbia has the most diversified Asia-oriented economy in Canada, the Province is continuing efforts to increase the opportunity that Asia presents. The appointment of an investment and trade commissioner is another component of British Columbia’s multifaceted international development effort.