British Columbia and the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (U.K.) is a major global economy with a GDP of $3.59 trillion in 2023, ranking as the 6th largest worldwide. With a population of 67.7 million and a GDP per capita of $53,000, the U.K. sustains a highly educated and multicultural populace. It maintains a robust trade relationship with British Columbia, ranking as B.C.’s 11th largest export destination in 2023, reflecting significant bilateral economic ties.
Trade & Investment Highlights
- The Canada-United Kingdom Trade Continuity Agreement (Canada-U.K. TCA) continues to promote a stable economic relationship and robust trade activities, supporting over $34.7 billion in bilateral goods and services trade in 2023.
- The U.K. attracted over $38.7 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in 2023, maintaining its position as a top global investment destination with a strong focus on advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and renewable energy sectors.
- In 2023, British Columbia’s goods exports to the U.K. reached $1.2 billion, primarily driven by strong demand for wood products, specialized instruments, and electrical machinery, highlighting B.C.’s competitive advantage in key sectors.
- Canada and the UK signed an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Science, Technology, and Innovation in 2024. This renewed agreement highlights the joint commitment to foster research and help tackle global challenges through the commercialization of new innovative solutions.
U.K. at a Glance
Monetary figures are in USD
Opportunity for Foreign Investors and B.C. Exporters
Trade & Investment Resources
For B.C. Businesses
For International Businesses
Latest News And Stories
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.
- Market entry assistance in international markets.
- Match buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets.
- Validate the potential of products in new international markets.
- Assist in navigating government export programs and financial supports.
- Strategic introductions to prospective buyers and partners in foreign markets.
- Participate in relevant international trade missions and events, and inbound buyer visits.
- Provide insight and advice on how to leverage trade agreements and overcome trade barriers.
- Enable access to trade representatives in foreign markets for on-the-ground assistance.
- Advice and coaching on how to prepare for successful export development and market entrance.
Trade & Investment Offices
- United Kingdom
London
British Columbia’s Trade and Investment Representative office in London is the centre for our programs throughout Europe.
Europe’s multi-faceted economy continues to present many opportunities for trade and partnership in key sectors. These include resources, biomass and green technologies, information and communication technologies, life sciences, and education.
Rely on our London office to help you network and capitalize on shared business opportunities.
London Office:
10 York Road
London, SE1 7ND
United Kingdom
Contact our Trade and Investment Representatives. Our team welcomes your inquiries
Managing Director
Trade and Investment Specialist
Trade and Investment Specialist
Trade and Investment Specialist
Trade and Investment Specialist
Operations Manager
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.