British Columbia has strong social and economic ties with the countries of the Asia-Pacific, such as China and India. We’ve built a new container terminal in Prince Rupert – the geographically-closest port to Asian markets – and are investing billions in ports, airports and highways to ensure we can seize the opportunities of being Canada’s Pacific Gateway.
Challenges and Opportunities:
By 2020, the annual trade gain with the Asia Pacific is estimated at $76 billion for B.C. and $230 billion for Canada. The total employment impact is estimated to be 255,000 jobs for B.C. – more than the entire manufacturing sector in the province today.
Discussion:
Building transportation infrastructure is critical to seizing the opportunities created by the fast-growing economies of the Asia-Pacific. In addition to the $3-billion Gateway program and investments in the Port of Prince Rupert and border infrastructure, where else can B.C. invest to ensure we maximize the potential of the Pacific Century?
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