NEW DELHI, India — The Canadian province of British Columbia will send a five-day trade delegation to India beginning January 12, aiming to promote local businesses, deepen commercial ties, and identify new export markets, according to comments by Premier David Eby.
The mission will include British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth, Ravi Kahlon, and is expected to involve meetings with government officials and business leaders in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru.
Speaking in Vancouver, Eby said the visit is intended to create new opportunities for Canadian companies, particularly in the forestry sector, which has been adversely affected by tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. He said the mission is part of a broader effort to diversify trade relationships amid global political uncertainty and rising international tensions.
India is projected to become the world’s third-largest economy, making it a key strategic partner for British Columbia, the premier said. The delegation will also promote opportunities for companies in clean energy, mining, and technology.
According to Kahlon, British Columbia is Canada’s largest provincial trading partner with India. Bilateral trade reached $2.1 billion in 2024, accounting for roughly 25 percent of Canada’s total exports to India. He added that the province is home to about 12,000 technology companies and has the fastest-growing life sciences sector in the country.
Eby pointed to the success of a recent trade mission to Asia, which helped advance several major projects, including the LNG Phase 2 development that is expected to reach a final investment decision later this year.
The announcement comes as India continues discussions on fair and balanced trade agreements with 14 countries or regional blocs representing nearly 50 nations, including the United States, the European Union, Gulf Cooperation Council countries, New Zealand, Israel, Canada, South Africa, and the Mercosur group.
India has also launched initiatives such as the National Manufacturing Mission and a Rs 25,000 crore Export Promotion Mission to support its economic growth and global trade ambitions.
In separate remarks, Eby welcomed the end of Nicolas Maduro’s regime in Venezuela. (Source: IANS)
