British Columbia Premier David Eby and Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon are gearing up for a trade mission to India within a week to boost local businesses and industries amid political and international uncertainties.
Eby announced during a press briefing that the delegation, scheduled from January 12 to 17, aims to strengthen ties at a crucial juncture, considering India’s anticipated rise as the world’s third-largest economy.
The officials plan to engage with key figures in government and business across New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. Kahlon highlighted that B.C. stands as India’s top trade partner in Canada, with bilateral trade hitting $2.1 billion in 2024, constituting a quarter of Canada’s exports to India.
The trade mission holds significance following the imposition of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump. Eby emphasized the need to support the forestry sector, which has been adversely impacted by tariffs, and to advocate for clean energy, mining, and tech industries.
Kahlon underscored B.C.’s thriving tech landscape, boasting 12,000 tech companies and witnessing rapid growth in the life sciences sector.
Eby referenced a recent trade venture to Asia that yielded substantial projects, such as LNG Phase 2, poised for a significant investment decision this year. The initiative, jointly owned by countries like Korea, Japan, and Malaysia, alongside their state investment entities, could mark the largest private sector investment in Canadian history if finalized.
Addressing concerns over the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Canadian Sikh separatist slain in Surrey, B.C., Eby expressed deep apprehension. He acknowledged the ongoing criminal proceedings involving four individuals charged in the case and called for trust in the legal process.
While reflecting on U.S. actions in Venezuela, Eby diverged from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s push for a new pipeline through B.C.’s North. Instead, he advocated for bolstering investment in the underutilized Trans Mountain pipeline and emphasized the value of directing public funds towards a refinery to support domestic oil and gas production.
Eby reaffirmed the collaborative approach with the U.S. and China despite existing challenges and highlighted the need for subnational governments like B.C. to prioritize job creation in sectors grappling with trade barriers.