Deputy Minister Leads European Mission for Trade Diversification

Deputy Minister Fazil Mihlar of the British Columbia (B.C.) Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation recently led a trade mission to Germany and Norway, participating in Hannover Messe and engaging with European industry leaders. Held March 30 – April 4, the mission promoted B.C.’s trade and investment opportunities internationally as aligned with B.C.’s Trade Diversification Strategy.

By showcasing B.C. businesses on a global stage, the province is helping B.C. companies reach new markets and reduce reliance on the United States. The delegation met with government agencies and private companies to explore trade and investment opportunities in Germany and Norway, focusing on three key objectives:

1. Advancing trade and investment to strengthen B.C.’s economy in priority sectors, including energy transition and critical minerals, clean technology, ICT and aquaculture.
2. Promoting B.C. as an attractive investment destination, highlighting strengths in technology and innovation, resources and sustainability, and B.C.’s environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) leadership.
3. Enhancing knowledge capital through information exchange with European partners.

This year, the largest number of B.C. companies participated in Hannover Messe, the world’s largest tradeshow for industrial and energy technologies, where Canada was also this year’s host partner country. Twenty-two B.C. companies and universities attended and represented the province’s expertise in clean technology and innovative technology, including AI and machine learning.

As part of the event, Deputy Minister Mihlar joined the B.C. panel on energy transition, highlighting the province’s expertise and investment potential within the clean energy transition. The province is committed to attracting and supporting investors and businesses that help drive B.C.’s clean and inclusive economy.

“B.C. is fortunate to have abundant resources in renewable energy, natural gas, critical minerals, forestry, agriculture and aquaculture, along with a beautiful environment to live and work in. While these are natural blessings, we’ve also worked hard to lead in innovation and put it to good use.”
– Deputy Minister Fazil Mihlar, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Deputy Minister Mihlar’s trip to Norway included a visit to the Oslo Cancer Cluster, where he learned about their pioneering work in new cancer treatments and diagnostics. The opportunity also showcased B.C.’s strengths in oncology and artificial intelligence, and explored potential partnerships in advancing health technologies.

Additionally, the delegation met with the Trade Commissioner Service team at the Embassy of Canada to Norway to discuss B.C.’s priorities in aquaculture, energy security and transition, B.C. Hydro’s Call for Power, and capital investment into major projects, technology and innovation.

B.C. and Germany share a strong economic relationship. The Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) facilitates business between B.C. and the European Union (EU), and Germany is Canada’s largest trading partner within the EU . Trade between Canada and Germany spans multiple sectors, with Canada exporting natural resources, agricultural products, machinery and aerospace components, while importing machinery, automotive products, chemicals and high-tech equipment. In 2024, Germany was B.C.’s tenth-largest export destination.

In the current global environment, trade and investment diversification is more important than ever. B.C.’s Trade Diversification Strategy uses B.C.’s competitive advantages to expand export and investment opportunities in targeted new markets, expand in key existing ones and increase the number and diversity of B.C.’s exporting businesses.

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