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British Columbia and China

China is the second largest economy in the world and the world’s largest exporter. Canada’s relationship with China is long-standing and dates from well before the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1970. Economic activity in China has picked up in 2023, driven by increased demand for services, resilient manufacturing investment, and public infrastructure stimulus.

Trade & Investment Highlights

In 2022, Mainland China was the second largest destination for B.C. exports.
Since 2006, the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative has provided a long-established transportation network between B.C. and China.
B.C. has long established trade linkages with China and is the most important exporting province in Canada in terms of export values to China.
The Canada-China Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement can further solidify the well-established and diverse economic relationship between B.C. and China.

China at a Glance

Monetary figures are in USD

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

Agrifood & Agritech

Within the next 20 years, China’s expanding middle class, rising incomes, and fast urbanization will propel it to become the world’s largest importer of food and agricultural products. Businesses in British Columbia (B.C.) will find opportunities to export premium packaged foods, meats, and seafood like spot prawns, geoduck, and Dungeness crab. Additionally, there is anticipated strong demand for fresh fruits, drinks, and nutritional products like blueberries and cherries. B.C. is in a good position to benefit from China’s growing demand for high-end imported agrifood products.

Cleantech

China’s determination to reduce its reliance on coal and shift to a low-carbon economy has increased demand for cutting-edge clean technologies. Its 14th Five-Year Plan emphasizes renewable energy expansion and highlights hydrogen as a critical focus area. China actively seeks partnerships to access innovative technologies for hydrogen production, transportation, and storage. With a world-class hydrogen and fuel cell sector underpinned by the Hydrogen Strategy and CleanBC goals, B.C. offers expertise and innovation. China’s ambitious sustainability goals are aligned with the opportunities this creates for collaboration, technology exports, and possible R&D investments in British Columbia.

ICT

China’s ICT sector plays a vital role in its economy, with its digital transformation outlined as a priority in the 14th Five-Year Plan and Vision 2035. Efforts to accelerate the development of its digital economy are creating demand for international technologies in areas such as online payments, the Internet of Things (IOT), cloud computing, health IT, VR/AR, big data, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Canada is an attractive destination for Chinese tech companies seeking North American market entry. This gives B.C. the opportunity to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), especially for the establishment of research and development facilities and the expansion of international operations.

Forestry

As one of the largest wood consumers and the second-largest wood importer globally, China increasingly relies on imported products due to efforts to conserve domestic forests. This shift presents opportunities for B.C. to supply round wood, sawn wood, and pulp to meet China’s estimated annual wood consumption of 550–600 million cubic meters. Furthermore, the demand for environmentally friendly wood-based building materials is anticipated to increase as China works toward carbon neutrality, providing long-term opportunities for lumber products from B.C. that are sourced responsibly.

Life Sciences

China’s healthcare industry, the second largest globally, offers vast potential for B.C. companies. The market for high-end medical devices is growing, driven by innovation and demand for advanced technology. China’s pharmaceutical sector, spurred by an aging population, is projected to reach $161.8 billion by 2030, representing 30% of the global market. The increasing need for genetic diagnostics, chronic disease management, natural health supplements, and rehabilitation services creates opportunities for collaboration and investment. B.C.’s biotech expertise aligns with China’s focus on affordable healthcare, attracting partnerships for R&D and manufacturing expansion.

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)

With more than 364 billion cubic meters of gas used in 2022, China’s rising energy needs make LNG a crucial transition fuel in the country’s shift away from coal. China has made significant investments in energy projects, including LNG, as part of its pledges to reach carbon neutrality by 2060 and peak emissions before 2030. B.C.’s LNG sector, supported by its low-carbon technologies, hydrogen fuel cells, and green building expertise, is well-suited to meet China’s needs. These factors create opportunities to boost energy exports and attract investment from China, contributing to global energy transition goals.

China Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Real Estate

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Coal, Oil & Gas

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Metals

_{Source: FDI Markets}

Import Industries
(by value)

Investment Opportunities in Canada - Electrical Machinery Equipment

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Fuels & Oils

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Mineral Ores, Slag & Ash

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Grains (Cereals)

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Inorganic Chemicals

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Meat

_{Source: International Trade Centre}

BC Export Industries to Market

Investment Opportunities in Canada: Wood Pulp & Recovered Paper

_{Source: BC Stats, data sourced from Statistics Canada}

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

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How We Help

Assist in commercial location identification and site selection.
Provide information on transportation infrastructure and logistics gateways.
Offer introductions to sector associations, industries and provide cluster insight.
Facilitate understanding and solutions for talent, skilled workforce and labour mobility
Facilitate engagement with professional advisors on legal, compliance and tax matters
Help navigating and offering referrals within government agencies on First Nations, business and regulatory processes.

Identify high potential investment opportunities and offer industry insight.
Introductions to sector associations and local industry contacts.
Introductions to companies seeking investments to expand.
Provide knowledge on local innovation hubs and connections to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Introductions to local venture capital networks.

Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
Advice and coaching in international expansion and exporter development.
Support Team BC missions and trade events.
Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
Provide insight on trade agreements and barriers.
Introductions to trade representatives in foreign markets.
Market entry assistance in international markets.

Trade & Investment Offices in China

China
- Beijing
- Chongqing
- Guangzhou
- Shanghai

Beijing

Our representative’s extensive networks in China and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities.

Beijing Office:
Embassy of Canada
19 Dongzhimen Outer St
Chaoyang Beijing, China

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Cathy Yao
Managing Director, BC China Office

Yong Huang
Senior Commercial Officer

Michael Zheng
Commercial Officer

Chongqing

Our representative’s extensive networks in China and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities.

Chongqing Office:
Room 1705, Metropolitan Tower
Wu Yi Lu, Yu Zhong District
Chongqing 400010, China

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Cathy Yao
Managing Director, BC China Office

Wesley Wei
Senior Commercial Officer

Guangzhou

Our representative’s extensive networks in China and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities.

Guangzhou Office:
Consulate General of Canada
26/F, TaiKoo Hui Tower 1,
385 Tianhe Road, Guangzhou,
Guangdong 510620, China

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries

Cathy Yao
Managing Director, BC China Office

Leanne Yi
Senior Commercial Officer

Gala Gao
Senior Commercial Officer

Patrick Lyu
Commercial Officer

Shanghai

Our representative’s extensive networks in China and strong connections to British Columbia help businesses capitalize on shared business opportunities.

Shanghai Office:
Consulate General of Canada
ECO City Building, 8th floor,
1788 Nanjing Xi Lu,
Shanghai, 200040, China

Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries:

Cathy Yao
Managing Director, BC China Office

Cecilia Fu
Senior Commercial Officer

Cindy Luo
Commercial Officer

Connect With Our International Network

Our Trade and Investment Representatives can help you establish the right connections, participate in events and tradeshows, explore programs and initiatives, and more. Connect with an expert near you.

Connect

British Columbia and China

Trade & Investment Highlights

China at a Glance

Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters

China Top Industries (2019-2023)

Industries for Outward Investment

Import Industries (by value)

Fastest Growing Import Opportunities

BC Export Industries to Market

Trade & Investment Resources

For B.C. Businesses

For International Businesses

Latest News And Stories

B.C. Craft Beer is Pitcher Perfect

B.C. Workshops Boost Trade and Export Growth

Quectel Accelerates the Future of Tech and Innovation in B.C.

How We Help

Trade & Investment Offices in China

Beijing

Chongqing

Guangzhou

Shanghai

Connect With Our International Network

Import Industries
(by value)