British Columbia Premier David Eby and Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon are set to embark on a trade mission to India within a week to boost local businesses and industries amidst global political uncertainties. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Eby highlighted the significance of the delegation’s visit from January 12 to 17, aiming to strengthen ties with India as it nears becoming the world’s third-largest economy. The officials will engage with government and business leaders in key Indian cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru.
Acknowledging India as British Columbia’s top trading partner in Canada, Kahlon disclosed that bilateral trade between the regions amounted to $2.1 billion in 2024, accounting for a quarter of Canada’s exports to India. Eby emphasized the mission’s importance following U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, particularly focusing on creating opportunities for the forestry sector, which has been significantly impacted by the tariffs. Additionally, the delegation will advocate for the clean energy, mining, and technology sectors.
Kahlon pointed out that British Columbia hosts 12,000 tech companies and boasts the fastest-growing life sciences sector in the country. Eby referenced a recent successful trade mission to Asia that resulted in significant projects, including the anticipated final investment decision on LNG Phase 2 this year. He highlighted the project’s potential as the largest private sector investment in Canadian history, involving a coalition of countries like Korea, Japan, Malaysia, and their respective state investment entities.
Addressing concerns about the alleged involvement of India in the murder of Canadian Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, British Columbia, Eby expressed profound worry over the incident. He voiced confidence in the ongoing criminal proceedings against the four charged individuals. Eby underscored the federal government’s role in collaborating with India on shared concerns, while emphasizing British Columbia’s responsibility in supporting its residents by generating employment opportunities in sectors facing challenges due to tariffs.
Eby also touched upon U.S. President Trump’s actions in Venezuela and disagreed with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s call for expediting a pipeline through British Columbia’s North in response. Instead, Eby advocated for increased investment in the underutilized Trans Mountain pipeline and proposed directing public funds towards a refinery, questioning the rationale behind not supporting Canadian oil and gas products domestically during the current global fragility.