B.C. moves to expand trade with office in London, U.K.

LONDON – The British Columbia government is opening a trade and investment office for Europe in London.

The B.C. government says the United Kingdom is Canada’s second largest trading partner and is one of the strongest markets for investment, trade and tourism for the province.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, along with B.C.’s Lt.-Gov. Judith Guichon and former B.C. premier and Canadian High Commissioner Gordon Campbell all attended today’s opening event in London.

European trade and investment representative Susan Haird will lead the London office.

Haird — whose career spanning 35 years — was most recently the deputy chief executive of United Kingdom Trade and Investment.

Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Minister Pat Bell says British Columbia, with its natural resources and technology industries is a natural trading and investment partner for European countries.