Opinion: Look West economic plan helps B.C. businesses reach new global markets | Daily Hive

Opinion: How B.C.'s Look West economic plan helps businesses reach new markets around the world

B.C. Parliamentary Secretary for Trade Paul Choi (left) and Premier David Eby (right). (Paul Choi)

Written for Daily Hive Urbanized by Paul Choi, who is the B.C. Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and the MLA for the riding of Burnaby South–Metrotown.

British Columbia has long been a province defined by resilience, innovation, and ambition. From resource development to advanced technology, British Columbians have built industries that sustain families, strengthen communities, and contribute to Canada’s economic prosperity. We understand the value of hard work.

I know this because I’ve lived it. My own journey — from stocking shelves in a corner store after school to serving as a police officer and later as a lawyer — taught me that hard work, modelled by my parents, mentors and colleagues, is the foundation of success.

And as BC’s Parliamentary Secretary for Trade, I see firsthand the determination that drives our businesses and workers.

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Businesses like Effingham Oysters in Port Alberni and Barkley Sound have been bringing B.C. seafood to Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and the U.S., and are now working to bring their oysters to dinner tables in Spain. Or take Kelowna-based startup WTFast, which helps internet providers in Singapore, the U.S., and Brunei deliver smoother, faster gaming experiences through its patented, AI-powered network and is well on its way to expanding into other regions of the world.

That same determination is what we need now, as global economic uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics challenge our ability to compete and grow. When external factors — ranging from climate impacts to unjustified tariffs — threaten our progress, we must act decisively to protect jobs and create new opportunities.

That is why we launched Look West, a bold economic action plan focused on diversifying trade, expanding market access, and ensuring B.C. remains a leader in Canada’s economic future.

With Look West, we are building on B.C.’s position as Canada’s trade corridor and export gateway to the Pacific. Our goal is clear: double exports to non-U.S. markets and strengthen interprovincial trade. This plan complements our Trade Diversification Strategy (TDS), which was making progress long before the U.S. decided to change the goal posts on global trade.

Today, B.C. has a network of over 50 Trade and Investment Representatives (TIR) in 14 key markets across Europe, Asia, and North America. Recently, we expanded into Mexico, Taiwan, and Vietnam — markets that offer significant opportunities for B.C. businesses.

In Mexico, we are creating new relationships in aerospace and technology to promote B.C.’s capabilities and lay the groundwork for future economic opportunities.

In Taiwan, we are positioning B.C. as a supplier of low-carbon innovation and resources, and interest in B.C. solutions is growing.

And in Vietnam, we are creating opportunities for B.C. blueberries and other agri-food products. We also now have a Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) office to promote B.C. wood products.

Aside from global markets, B.C. is leading efforts to reduce interprovincial trade barriers through the Canada-wide Mutual Recognition Agreement, which will allow the free movement of goods and services across provinces, which means lower cost of doing business, more investments, and wider consumers choices.

Look West will grow key sectors that power our economy: marine, aerospace, construction, innovation, life sciences, AI and quantum computing, agriculture and food processing, trade and logistics infrastructure, and the critical minerals and energy the world needs. This means boosting production, streamlining processes, adapting new technologies, and investing in talent development.

While most of these sectors are already expanding, we must ensure their continued growth and seize opportunities in changing global markets. Stronger industries mean more jobs, more investment, and more products and services that the world needs.

There’s a lot of work ahead, but British Columbians have what it takes. Together we will ensure B.C. figures prominently on the trade maps of the world’s economies.

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