The B.C. government is bringing its nine trade representatives from around the world to the province's communities, including in B.C.'s Interior, to help businesses who want to expand into overseas markets.
The trade and investment representatives will outline their overseas services, offer advice on building networks in foreign markets and meet one-on-one with as many companies as time allows.
The sessions, which will include a stop-off in Prince George, start next week.
The Prince George session, hosted by Initiatives Prince George, is set for Monday, May 30 at the Ramada Hotel, starting at 8 a.m. More details are expected to be released later.
The trade representatives -- who are on contract with the province -- are coming from Japan, Korea, China, India, Europe and the U.S. West Coast. They have experience in numerous industry sectors, including forestry, mining, tourism and international education.
"We want businesses in all parts of British Columbia to have access to our services, and by sending the trade reps to the regions, we're making it easier for those businesses to learn about new opportunities and services," Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell said Friday in a statement.
The province explained that trade representatives can make local introductions to potential buyers and investors. The trade representatives can also help companies identify opportunities and offer assistance in making the right investment decisions.
They can also provide advice on cultural business practices and help with trade leads.
While the United States remains the largest export market for British Columbia, more than triple that of Japan, the Asia Pacific has been growing in importance.
B.C has seen its exports to China, for example, more than double in the last two years to $4 billion, the same level as exports to Japan, according to data from B.C. Statistics.
Lumber and coal exports to China, in particular, have grown rapidly.
Northern B.C.'s political and business leaders have been trying to leverage the region's natural resources, and its strategic location to the Asia Pacific.
Transportation infrastructure has also been built up at the Port of Prince Rupert and in Prince George to take advantage of shipping via container.
