September 16, 2009
Strong BC Presence at Korean Green Energy Show

VICTORIA - Green and renewable energy technology companies from British Columbia will be front-and-centre at this week's Environment Energy Tech Trade Show (ENTECH 2009), South Korea's largest annual clean and renewable energy trade show, announced Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

"B.C.'s clean energy companies are among the most innovative in the world, and ENTECH is a great opportunity to promote their products to Asia," said Black. "Many Asian countries, especially Korea, are adopting green energy and are looking overseas for the technology. This is one of the reasons why our government is increasing B.C.'s presence in Asia - to help open doors for our companies."

Seven B.C.-based companies - Ballard Power Systems, CB Williams Energy Group, DPoint Technologies, Greenlight Innovation, Juniper Engines, Mantra Venture Group Inc. and Xebec Adsorption Inc. - will be part of the B.C. Pavilion, organized by the Province's Korean Trade and Investment Office, based in Seoul.

In addition to the B.C. Pavilion, the Trade and Investment office has organized a networking seminar where the seven companies will deliver presentations about their products and services to 50 pre-selected Korean companies.

This is second year in succession that British Columbia has been present at ENTECH. Last year, over 230 qualified trade and professional buyers visited the B.C. Pavilion, leading to nearly 50 business-to-business meetings during the trade show alone.

ENTECH 2009 will take place from Sept. 16 to 19 at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO). Two-hundred and fifty companies are participating at this year's show and 34,000 people are expected to attend.

South Korea, like British Columbia, is promoting the use of green technology and clean energy. According the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), South Korea is directing 80 per cent of its economic stimulus spending towards green projects. Fifty trillion won, approximately C$44 billion, will be spent on green buildings, research on renewable energy, and sustainable transportation including high-speed rail through 2011.

British Columbia's involvement at ENTECH 2009 and the operation of its Korean and five other trade and investment offices in Asia is part of a long-term strategy to increase economic and cultural ties with the Asia-Pacific. In addition to Asia, the Province has two trade representatives in the European Union and one in California.

Export-ready companies interested in doing business overseas, should contact the Asia- Pacific Business Centre at 604 660-9727, or through email, asia.pacific@gov.bc.ca.

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