Mission Statement
Explore BC
Vancouver, Canada
February 15-16, 2005

Mission Description

The International Trade Administration of U.S. Department of Commerce, Commercial Service in Vancouver is organizing a multiple industry trade event in Vancouver, February 15 &16, 2005.   The participating U.S. companies will benefit from briefings by local experts on the Canadian market, a networking reception and pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings with potential agents/distributors or manufacturers representatives in their industry.

Commercial Setting

British Columbia (B.C.), Canada's western province, has a GDP that is larger than many countries - US $115 billion in 2002.   The current provincial government has embarked on an aggressive campaign to create a positive business environment.   In 2002, British Columbia imported over $13 billion of U.S. products, in addition to large imports of services. The expanding variety and volume of British Columbia imports from the U.S. provide business opportunities for American firms in virtually all sectors.   Its proximity to the U.S., especially to western states, allows for a comparative advantage regarding transportation costs and service support.

The best prospects for imports into British Columbia are: motor vehicles, aircraft and aircraft parts; computer equipment; electronic parts; construction/mining machinery and equipment; scientific equipment; fish products; food products; petroleum products; fruit and vegetable products; music industry products; motor vehicle parts and accessories; plastic products; and, aluminum. Over two billion dollars will be spent on facilities and infrastructure projects related to the 2010 Winter Olympics, which will be held in British Columbia (Vancouver & Whistler).   The B.C. economy will experience strong growth as a result of preparations for the Olympic games, providing a variety of opportunities for U.S. exporters.  

British Columbia is also a major gateway for business development into the Asia Pacific region.   Many Asian firms have offices and/or representatives in Vancouver in order to source products from the North American market.

Mission Goals

The goal of this mission is to assist U.S. companies gain local market exposure and to find agents/distributors, manufacturers representatives and strategic alliance partners in their respective industry sectors.   The mission will also educate U.S. companies on a number of issues in relation to exporting to the Canadian market.

Mission Scenario

U.S. firms will take part in formal matchmaking sessions with British Columbia companies, and will be given several opportunities to interact with local company representatives at a networking event.   The one-on-one meetings will take place in a hotel meeting room reserved for that purpose.    The precise schedule will depend on the availability of local government and business officials and the specific goals of the mission participants.

Timetable

Explore British Columbia will take place on February 15 and 16, 2005.   The participants will arrive according to their own schedule.   The event will start on February 15 in Vancouver at the Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina with a welcome briefing by U.S. Consul General Luis Arreaga-Rodas.   The briefing will be followed by presentations on "Doing Business in British Columbia", legal and tax issues, and on customs/shipping logistics. A luncheon will take place, followed by individual one-hour meetings with potential business partners.   The Consul General will host a networking reception immediately following the appointments. On February 16, the participants will continue with their pre-scheduled one-on-on meetings.

Recruitment and Criteria for Participation

The Commercial Service in Vancouver will recruit U.S. firms.   The target number of companies for this mission is six, with a cut-off date for recruitment of January 14,2005.   Applications received after the deadline date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Criteria for participation are as follows:

• Provision of adequate information on the company's products and/or services, and communication of the company's primary objectives to facilitate appropriate matching with potential business partners.
• Relevance of the company’s business line to mission goals.
• Potential for business in the British Columbia market.
• Timely and adequate provision of company product/service information and literature, to enable communication of company’s objectives and scheduling of appointments.
• Timeliness of receipt of the company’s completed application, participation agreement, and a (US) $750 participation fee.
• The company’s products and/or services must be manufactured or produced in the United States.   If the company’s products and/or services are manufactured or produced outside of the United States, the product/service must be marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and U.S. content representing at least 51% of the value of the finished goods or service.

Any partisan political activities of an applicant, including political contributions, will be entirely irrelevant to the selection process.

Contact Information:

Cheryl Schell
Commercial Specialist
US Consulate General
1095 West Pender
Vancouver, BC
V6E 2M6
Tel: 604-642-6679
Fax: 604-687-6095
Email: cheryl.schell@mail.doc.gov