B.C. Premier David Eby will visit China to boost trade, focusing on agriculture and energy, marking the first premier trip since 2018.
Eby Set to Lead B.C. Trade Delegation to China
British Columbia Premier David Eby will make a high-profile visit to China later this year, marking the first trip by a B.C. premier since 2018. The mission aims to strengthen trade ties and explore new opportunities for the province’s agriculture and energy sectors.
While Eby has yet to announce specific dates or a detailed agenda, he has emphasized that the goal is clear: positioning B.C. as a stable and reliable partner in global trade.
Building on International Connections
Eby’s China visit follows Prime Minister Mark Carney’s trip to the country in January, during which he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and inked trade agreements for Chinese electric vehicles and Canadian canola exports.
Reflecting on his own international experience, Eby said the message will mirror his earlier trade mission to India. He described B.C. as a “stable jurisdiction in a very unstable time,” highlighting the province’s reputation for reliability and quality.
“B.C.’s calling card is predictability,” Eby explained. “We consistently deliver high standards, and that makes us a partner businesses can count on.”
China’s Importance to B.C. Exports
Trade data underscores China’s growing significance for the province. In 2024, China accounted for 15.6% of B.C.’s exports, second only to the United States at nearly 53%. Japan followed at 10.4%, South Korea at 6.6%, and India at 2.3%.
The last premier to visit China was John Horgan, who toured the country in 2018, alongside stops in South Korea and Japan. Eby’s trip comes as Canada and China cautiously rebuild trade relations amid wider tensions with the United States.
Ferries and Controversy
The premier’s visit also occurs against a backdrop of local debate. Last June, B.C. Ferries announced plans to have four new large ferries built at a Chinese state-owned shipyard. The purchase, supported by a $1-billion loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, sparked criticism due to the lack of Canadian bidders.
Eby acknowledged concerns but stressed the urgency of the project. Reopening bids would increase costs and delay delivery, he explained. Moving forward, he pledged to collaborate with the federal government to ensure future ferries are built in B.C.
Looking Ahead
With trade at the forefront, Eby’s trip to China is set to emphasize B.C.’s reliability and commitment to growth. As global markets shift, the province is positioning itself as a consistent and trustworthy partner—both at home and abroad.
