Richmond's MLAs say they are concerned about the B.C. government's decision to shut down its independent trade offices in Asia.
The move was disclosed earlier this week after Richmond North Centre MLA Teresa Wat posted on the Chinese Social Media platform WeChat that the decision wasted “all efforts made by the previous Liberal government."
B.C.’s Asian trade offices – which house teams of trade and investment professionals to provide support for B.C. companies operating in the region - are located in China, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Manila, Jakarta, Singapore, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
Under a new model, the B.C. government will no longer carry the costs of contractors and independent office leases at the locations.
Instead, the trade offices are going to be "co-located" in Canadian embassies.
Wat, who worked as the provincial Minister of International Trade for the B.C. Liberal government, said she felt “shocked” after hearing the news.
"I am worried about B.C.'s economic outlook and investment climate," Wat wrote on WeChat, adding that the trade offices in Asia have been facilitating local economic development and helping B.C. achieve first place in the export sector in Canada.
"Does that mean the current NDP government faces some financial stress? Or (are) they just against the free trade agreement - preventing Canada from exporting to Asia?"
Jas Johal, Richmond-Queensborough MLA, called the decision "incredibly short-sighted."
Johal said Asia is home to 60 per cent of the world's population and the provincial government needs to be focused on attracting those businesses here.
"Finding new markets in Asia should continue to be our focus, not reducing our staff and trade promotions in Asia," said Johal.
Bruce Ralston, B.C.’s minister of jobs, trade and technology, said "We are transitioning our trade and investment services in Asia from a contractor model to one where we co-locate provincial public servants in Canadian Embassies and Consulates.
"We think this change will better help B.C. businesses and give British Columbian's the best value for the investment they are making."
The News has asked the B.C. government for the total cost of running the aforementioned office across Asia.
