The government of British Columbia has appointed an investment and trade commissioner to further the province’s interests in Asia, Premier Christy Clark announced October 28.
Ben Stewart has been appointed to act as an “on-the-ground representative” of the province in dealings with Asia. Stewart was a Liberal MLA for Westside-Kelowna until he surrendered his seat in June to allow Clark, who lost her Vancouver-Point Grey seat to the NDP in the provincial election, to run in a byelection in his riding.
Stewart will report to Clark and International Trade Minister Teresa Wat. His responsibilities will include acting as an official signatory for the province and meeting monthly with B.C.’s trade and investment officers in Asia and B.C.-based directors of the Ministry of International Trade.
“This is a crucial time in our trade relations with Asia and we want to strengthen the ties that attract new investment to British Columbia,” said Clark.
“The appointment of Ben Stewart sends an important signal to these markets: we want to be your partner in business. That is why we are stepping up our game, increasing our government’s presence in Asia and making clear this is a priority for us.”
Wat said, “One of the keys to doing business in our priority markets is building and sustaining relationships, especially government to government relationships.
“This appointment will allow key decision-makers to have direct access to a senior government official, which is a critical part of successfully doing business in Asia.”
