Bc's Trade And Investment Future: A Conversation With Chris King

Chris Robert King is the Senior Director of the East Coast Team at British Columbia in the US. He helps US East Coast companies set up operations in British Columbia. King is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and has been with the company since at least December 2023.

British Columbia's trade and investment team works with international enterprises to help them build strong links to the resources, skills, and businesses that make the region an attractive place to work and invest.

Chris King is the Senior Director of the East Coast Team at British Columbia in the US

British Columbia offers an attractive business environment for international companies due to its low taxes, competitive operating costs, stable labour conditions, and a well-educated, highly skilled, and productive multicultural workforce. The province is strategically located at the crossroads of the Asia-Pacific region and North America, providing companies with access to global markets.

British Columbia's trade and investment team works with international enterprises to help them build strong connections to resources, skills, and businesses, making the province an attractive place to work, live, and invest. The team offers assistance to companies looking to invest in British Columbia, purchase its products or services, or bring British Columbia businesses to the international market.

As Senior Director, Chris King plays a crucial role in facilitating these connections and promoting British Columbia as an ideal location for US East Coast companies to expand their operations.

British Columbia has a strong presence in the US, with offices in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Seattle, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Boston, and New York

British Columbia has a strong presence in the US, with offices in major cities across the country. These offices, located in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Seattle, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Boston, and New York, are testament to the long-standing relationships and extensive business connections between British Columbia and the United States.

The province's Trade and Investment Representatives in these cities are provided by the Fox Group International. Will Fox serves as the Managing Director, overseeing operations across the United States. The team in the US works closely with US companies, particularly on the East Coast, to help them set up operations and establish a physical presence in British Columbia. Chris King, Director, East Coast, leads the efforts in connecting US East Coast companies with opportunities in British Columbia.

British Columbia offers a highly attractive business environment with low taxes, competitive operating costs, a stable labour force, and a well-educated and highly skilled workforce. The province is strategically located at the crossroads of the Asia-Pacific region and North America, providing easy access to global markets.

The Trade and Investment offices in the US facilitate connections and help businesses capitalise on shared opportunities. This is particularly evident in sectors such as clean technologies, digital media, agrifoods, life sciences, and information and communication technologies. British Columbia's presence in these key US cities enables the province to foster strong international connections and promote itself as a competitive and dynamic business environment.

British Columbia is a leader in clean technology, digital media, film production, life sciences, and more

British Columbia's trade and investment team works with international enterprises to help them build strong links to the resources, skills, and businesses that make the province an attractive place to work and invest. The province is strategically located between the Asia-Pacific region and North America, and its businesses have access to a global network of representatives in China, Japan, Korea, India, Europe, and the United States.

British Columbia is also a leader in clean technology, with companies like BQE Water partnering with Shandong Gold Mining to enhance mineral reclamation and reduce environmental impact. The province is committed to sustainability and growing innovation, with various programs and opportunities in place to support clean technology and sustainability.

In digital media, British Columbia has a strong presence at events like the Game Developers Conference (GDC) and South by Southwest (SXSW). The province is also a hub for film and TV production, with shows like "The Last of Us" choosing to film in Vancouver.

Additionally, British Columbia is making strides in life sciences, with companies like AbCellera, Acuitas Therapeutics, and Zymeworks Inc. leading the way in drug development and innovation. The province also has world-class life sciences buildings and research hubs, such as Lab 29 in Vancouver, which attract companies and talent from around the world.

The province has a strong and stable business environment, with a dependable legal system and a high quality of life

British Columbia has a strong and stable business environment, with a dependable legal system and a high quality of life. The province is known for its ease of setting up businesses, with a welcoming environment that actively encourages investment. It has a stable fiscal and political climate, and businesses can benefit from low taxes and competitive operating costs.

The province's legal system is dependable and follows federal rules, providing a secure and confidential review process for business investments. The review process is typically completed within 45 days, with an option to submit additional information if needed.

British Columbia also boasts a high quality of life, with a strong focus on sustainability and clean technologies. The province is committed to growing innovation and supporting businesses that promote sustainable practices. Additionally, British Columbia has a well-educated, highly skilled, and productive workforce, which contributes to its dynamic and competitive business environment.

The province is strategically located at the crossroads of the Asia-Pacific region and North America, providing easy access to global markets. British Columbia's trade and investment teams work closely with international enterprises to help them build strong connections and take advantage of the resources and skills the province has to offer.

British Columbia is committed to supporting businesses and fostering economic growth, making it an attractive and stable choice for investors and entrepreneurs alike.

British Columbia has a strong international presence, with trade and investment representatives in China, Japan, Korea, India, Europe, and the US

Trade and investment representatives (TIRs) provide advice to international companies interested in investing or establishing a presence in BC. They also work to introduce BC’s manufacturers, product developers, and service providers to new export market opportunities. TIRs help global partners discover BC’s goods and services in sectors such as clean technology, life sciences, digital media and film production, tourism, education, forestry, and mining.

BC currently has about 65 trade and investment representatives based in 17 locations worldwide. Offices are located in Japan, South Korea, India, China, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States. Since 2017, the Government of British Columbia has opened or expanded offices in the US (Seattle and San Francisco) and Southeast Asia (Singapore).

The total value of foreign direct investment influenced by ministry programs during 2017-18 was nearly $1.392 billion, exceeding set targets. In 2017-18, trade and investment representatives facilitated 213 international business agreements valued at nearly $450 million. Trade and investment representatives supported the opening of 27 offices of international companies in BC in 2017-18.

BC's Trade Diversification Strategy enables the province to be more responsive to international opportunities and support an inclusive economy that celebrates diverse businesses. The strategy uses BC’s competitive advantages to increase export and investment opportunities in targeted new markets, expand in key existing markets, and increase the number and diversity of exporting businesses.

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