September 16, 2009
BC's Trade Office in India Now Open for Business

VICTORIA - British Columbia's newest overseas trade and investment representative office, located in Bangalore, the 'Silicon Valley' of India, is now open for business, announced Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

"British Columbia and India already have strong cultural and economic ties, and the new Bangalore office will make those ties even stronger," said Black. "We are expanding British Columbia's presence in India's dynamic and growing market, making it easier for businesses in both jurisdictions to make the most of new opportunities."

The Bangalore office helps B.C.'s export-ready companies link to opportunities in India. Services include consulting advice and strategic market intelligence, along with networking and business matchmaking services. The office also promotes British Columbia as a destination for investment and trade, and advances bilateral partnerships in research and development.

The Bangalore office is targeting the following sectors: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), biotechnology and life sciences, advanced energy and environmental technology, and advanced education - to capitalize on the city's position as a high-tech and research hub.

B.C.-based organizations moving into the Indian market can use a range of business services at the new Bangalore office, including temporary office and telecommunications facilities.

The Bangalore office also serves inbound investors and companies from India that wish to form partnerships in British Columbia. The office works with the Province's India and Southeast Asia Business Development Section to connect companies and organizations from B.C. and India to mutually beneficial opportunities in both jurisdictions.

With the addition of the Bangalore office, British Columbia now has six trade and investment offices in Asia, with the other locations being in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo. As well, British Columbia hase two trade representatives in the European Union and one in California.

The Province has contracted Abroader Consultancy India Pvt Ltd. to provide its trade and investment services in Bangalore, including operating the office. Headed by Mr. Pratap Raju, Abroader Consultancy brings a proven track record of establishing business relationships between Indian and foreign-based organizations and companies.

British Columbia's trade and investment representative offices are part of a long-term strategy to increase overseas economic opportunities for B.C. companies and exporters.

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

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