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British Columbia and China

China is the second largest economy in the world and the world’s largest exporter. Canada’s relationship with China is long-standing and dates from well before the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. Economic activity in China has picked up in 2023, driven by increased demand for services, resilient manufacturing investment, and public infrastructure stimulus.

Trade & Investment Highlights

In 2022, Mainland China was the second largest destination for B.C. exports.
Since 2006, the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative has provided a long-established transportation network between B.C. and China.
B.C. has long established trade linkages with China and is the most important exporting province in Canada in terms of export values to China.
The Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement can further solidify the well-established and diverse economic relationship between B.C. and China.

China at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Aerospace

Aerospace is one of the emerging industries in China’s latest five-year plan. With plans to accelerate the construction of airport infrastructure, opportunities exist in pilot training, advanced manufacturing and maintenance technologies of general aviation aircraft for Chinese private-owned aviation companies.

Agrifood & Agritech

Chinese consumer demand is creating opportunities for imported seafood and meat, pet food, plant-based proteins, nutritious packaged foods and products for the children, baby and maternity industry. During the next 10 to 20 years, China is expected to become the world’s largest importer of agricultural and food products.

Clean Energy

China has a Carbon Neutralization Plan and has a demand for low carbon technologies. This provides opportunities for B.C. companies in clean energy sources such as hydrogen fuel cell, LNG and green building technologies to meet this upcoming demand.

Cleantech

B.C.’s advanced environment protection technologies with applications in mining and oil
& gas are in great demand. China is actively seeking collaboration opportunities in advanced technologies, specifically in green hydrogen production, transportation and storage of hydrogen as well as fuel cell technologies – a high growth sector in British Columbia. There are opportunities in the fields of advanced environmental protection technologies with applications in mining, oil and gas along with carbon capture, utilization and storage.

ICT

China’s digital economy is large and growing and is a priority of the latest five-year plan. ICT opportunities for B.C. companies involve online payment, Internet of Things, cloud computing, health IT, VR/AR, big data and artificial intelligence.

Forestry

China continues to promote low carbon development with a focus on green urban development/building and prefabricated building. With increased urbanization coinciding with growing consumer wealth in China, there is increased demand for new housing and furnishings. B.C. export opportunities involve building materials, design services and architectural services for recreational and urban planning projects.

Life Sciences

China has the world’s second largest healthcare market, with a high importance placed on the life sciences sector. There is space for B.C. companies to support China in biopharmaceuticals, medTech, digital health, senior care and rehabilitation services. However, it is a highly regulated and competitive market for pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

China Top Industries (2018-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Real Estate

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Metals

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Machinery

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Pearls, Precious Stones & Metals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Essential Oils & Perfumes

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Meat

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Pulp & Recovered Paper

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Products

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

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How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Offices in China

China
- Beijing
- Chongqing
- Guangzhou
- Shanghai

Beijing

Our representative’s extensive networks in China and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities.

Beijing Office:
Embassy of Canada
19 Dongzhimen Outer St
Chaoyang Beijing, China

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Cathy Yao
Managing Director, BC China Office

Yong Huang
Senior Commercial Officer

Michael Zheng
Commercial Officer

Chongqing

Our representative’s extensive networks in China and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities.

Chongqing Office:
Room 1705, Metropolitan Tower
Wu Yi Lu, Yu Zhong District
Chongqing 400010, China

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Cathy Yao
Managing Director, BC China Office

Wesley Wei
Senior Commercial Officer

Guangzhou

Our representative’s extensive networks in China and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities.

Guangzhou Office:
Consulate General of Canada
26/F, TaiKoo Hui Tower 1,
385 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou,
Guangdong 510620, China

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries

Cathy Yao
Managing Director, BC China Office

Leanne Yi
Senior Commercial Officer

Gala Gao
Senior Commercial Officer

Patrick Lyu
Commercial Officer

Shanghai

Our representative’s extensive networks in China and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities.

Shanghai Office:
Consulate General of Canada
ECO City Building, 8th floor,
1788 Nanjing Xi Lu,
Shanghai, 200040, China

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Cathy Yao
Managing Director, BC China Office

Cecilia Fu
Senior Commercial Officer

Cindy Luo
Commercial Officer

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

Connect

British Columbia and China

Trade & Investment Highlights

China at a Glance

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

China Top Industries (2018-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Import Industries (by value)

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

BC Export Industries to Market

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

Latest News And Stories

B.C. Craft Beer is Pitcher Perfect

B.C. Workshops Boost Trade and Export Growth

Quectel Accelerates the Future of Tech and Innovation in B.C.

How We Help

Trade & Investment Offices in China

Beijing

Chongqing

Guangzhou

Shanghai

Connect With Our International Network

Import Industries
(by value)