British Columbia is home to many innovative, world-class companies.

About British Columbia, Canada

On the West Coast of Canada, British Columbia (B.C.) offers opportunity in expansion and capital investment across a wide range of industries, with trade representatives specializing in facilitating opportunities with investors from nations around the world.

Explore Opportunities

About BC Infographic - Renewable Resources

98%

of energy generated by Renewable Resources

About BC Infographic - Livability Ranking

#5

Vancouver’s rank on Global Livability Index (EIU, 2023)

15 Trade Agreements

Preferential market access

About BC Infographic - Strategic Location

51 Countries

Canada’s trade agreements boost B.C.’s global reach

Trade and Invest BC has representative offices in 26 locations. Our team facilitates trade, foreign direct investment, and other investment opportunities, providing insights into doing business in B.C., Canada, and exporting from British Columbia to key markets.

Natural Fit For Investment and Business Opportunities in Canada

Economy & Business Climate

B.C.’s economy is rich and diverse, generating a wide range of trade and investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

Indigenous Peoples

Nearly 200,000 Indigenous people live and work in British Columbia, offering a wide range of investment and trade opportunities, both locally and internationally, across multiple sectors and regions.

Infrastructure

Efficient logistics keep B.C. connected locally and globally, moving natural resources, products, people, raw materials, and finished goods throughout the province and around the world.

Find Commercial Properties

Support and assistance to find the right location for your new B.C. business is available through established real estate associations as well as support from Trade and Invest B.C.

FDI & Trade Relationships

Discover how B.C. attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) and fosters global trade partnerships to drive economic growth and create opportunities.

Opportunity in BC

Learn about the key industry sectors in British Columbia, and the province’s rich natural resources, top talent, and proven economic strengths.

Economic Regions

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Cariboo

Located in central B.C., the Cariboo region is an area of vast landscapes of mountain ranges, lakes and rivers. It includes the city of Prince George, which acts as a major service centre for the northern half of the province.

Population: 169,716
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Clean Energy, Forestry, Critical Minerals, Clean Tech, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Prince George, Williams Lake, Quesnel, Mackenzie

Cariboo Region

Kootenay

Located in the southeast corner of B.C., the Kootenay region is a leading destination for outdoor adventures. While tourism is key, the economy also relies on coal production, critical minerals, and logging industries.

Population: 176,617
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Clean Energy, Critical Minerals, Clean Tech, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Nelson, Cranbrook

Kootenay Region

Lower Mainland/Southwest

The Lower Mainland/Southwest is B.C.’s most populous region. This dynamic metropolitan area offers numerous economic opportunities, a mild climate, an active lifestyle, and a vibrant urban centre.

Population: 3,562,202
Key Industry Sectors: Aerospace, Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, AI, Clean Energy, Digital Media, Forestry, ICT, Life Sciences, Marine, Mass Timber, Agri Tech, Clean Tech, Hydrogen
Key Cities: Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond

Lower Mainland/Southwest Region

Nechako

Nechako is the province’s second-largest yet least populated region, defined by vast, remote wilderness. Forestry and critical minerals drive the economy, with many companies actively exploring the area to support future resource development.

Population: 40,400
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Critical Minerals, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Smithers, Burns Lake, Vanderhoof

Nechako Region

North Coast

Bordering the Pacific, the North Coast features spectacular forests and rugged coastlines. The economy is diversifying through expanded port capacity in Prince Rupert and Kitimat, alongside major investments in aluminum smelting and liquefied natural gas.

Population: 60,455
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Critical Minerals, Clean Tech, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Prince Rupert, Kitimat, Terrace

North Coast Region

Northeast

The Northeast is growing through rapid development of the energy sector, driven by natural gas production and critical minerals. Consistent capital investment in natural resource industries continues to drive the region’s steady economic expansion.

Population: 72,015
Key Industry Sectors: Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Clean Energy, Critical Minerals, Agri Tech
Key Cities: Fort St. John, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson

Northeast Region

Thompson/Okanagan

Located in B.C.’s interior, the Thompson-Okanagan is a popular destination renowned for its sunny climate. Its diverse economy relies on agriculture, the service sector, forest products, and manufacturing industries.

Population: 666,712
Key Industry Sectors: Aerospace, Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, Clean Energy, Digital Media, ICT, Life Sciences, Critical Minerals, Mass Timber, Agri Tech, Clean Tech, Hydrogen
Key Cities: Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops

Thompson/Okanagan Region

Vancouver Island and Coast

This region includes the capital, Victoria, and many oceanside communities. The service sector, particularly health care, tourism, and public administration, drives the economy, while logging and fishing remain important.

Population: 881,700
Key Industry Sectors: Aerospace, Agriculture, Seafood & Food Processing, AI, Clean Energy, Digital Media, Forestry, ICT, Life Sciences, Marine, Mass Timber, Agri Tech, Clean Tech, Hydrogen
Key Cities: Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay

Vancouver Island & Coast Region

Take The Next Step

Dive into the active Canadian West Coast business culture to expand your operations to British Columbia, to invest capital or buy B.C. goods and services. Welcoming communities, lucrative opportunities, and a dedicated team in British Columbia, as well as a network of Trade and Investment Representatives around the world are ready and waiting to help when you are ready to take the next step.

Expand Your Business Operations

Find Opportunities to Invest Capital

Buy BC Goods and Services