India is the focus as Initiatives Prince George looks to attract international investment by joining an outbound delegation organized by the B.C. Ministry of International Trade and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada at the eighth annual Renewable Energy India Expo in Delhi from Sept. 1 to 5.
"We have arranged a number of meetings with industry associations and businesses in India to explore trade and investment opportunities between Prince George and India that are tied to the clean-tech and renewable energy sectors," said Heather Oland, CEO at Initiatives Prince George. "This initial trip to India will provide us with the knowledge we need to develop a plan for targeting investment attraction efforts and developing trade partnerships with India."
IPG will promote the city's bioenergy projects, focusing on the bioenergy plant at UNBC and the Downtown District Energy System.
The expo will also be an opportunity to promote Prince George as a destination not only for tourists but for international students.
"Opening up new markets and increasing international trade are key parts of our economic vision - the BC Jobs Plan," said Shirley Bond, minister of jobs, tourism, and skills training and minister responsible for labour. "The Initiatives Prince George delegation to the Renewable Energy India Expo fits in with that vision and has the potential to create local business opportunities that lead to long-term, well-paying jobs that strengthen our families and communities. As a resident of Prince George and of British Columbia I know the team has a great story to tell potential partners."
IPG's booth will be in the Canadian Pavilion, designated for Canadian businesses and organizations. The provincial and federal governments are covering the cost of IPG's booth space and funding has been leveraged from sources other than the core funding provided by the City of Prince George to cover travel and accommodation costs.
