May 14, 2025

Government of BC Announcement by B.C. Premier David Eby
 

On May 14, 2025, British Columbia Premier David Eby announced a new international trade initiative aimed at reducing the province’s economic dependence on the United States. Speaking from the Point Hope Shipyard in Victoria, Eby outlined plans for an upcoming trade mission to Asia that will include stops in Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia. He will be joined by Agriculture Minister Lana Popham and Parliamentary Secretary Paul Choi.

The mission is focused on opening new markets for B.C. exports, especially in high-demand sectors like seafood, forestry, LNG, and critical minerals. Eby emphasized the strong interest in B.C. products—particularly sablefish—across Asian markets and pointed to the opportunity to build long-term trading relationships in the region.

Framing B.C. as a driving force in Canada's economic future, Eby underscored the importance of diversifying trade partnerships and strengthening ties beyond the U.S. He also called for a coordinated national response to ongoing trade challenges, such as U.S. tariffs on Canadian lumber, urging federal leaders to work together on breaking down interprovincial trade barriers and supporting affected industries and workers.

This initiative is part of a broader push by the provincial government to secure economic stability and promote B.C. as a global leader in sustainable natural resources and innovation. He spoke on how he continues to push to forge a future of collaboration to dismantle trade barriers between provinces, and take strides forward to strengthen Canada's economic sovereignty.