B.C. Premier Eby leaving Saturday on trade mission to China
Published 3:39 pm Friday, June 26, 2026
Premier David Eby is embarking on his first trade mission to China on Saturday (June 27) as he continues the effort to diversify B.C.’s trade relationships.
“We’re seeking to reduce our reliance on the United States and obviously, Asian markets have been a major focus for us,” Eby said Thursday.
This includes the goal of doubling trade to non-U.S. markets within the next 10 years.
“China will be part of that,” Eby said.
He mentioned investment in LNG Canada, phase 2 of which is nearing final investment decision, and Chinese tourism, which he says is worth $500 million per year to the province’s economy, as areas of planned engagement. Eby also said he would like to see China drop its tariffs on B.C. seafood.
He is scheduled to visit Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou on the trip. Details of specific meetings have not been released.
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Eby will be back on July 2 to meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney to finalize a memorandum of understanding that the province is negotiating with the federal government on major projects.
This meeting means he will need to cut the short trade mission. He was originally scheduled to return on July 3.
July 2 is one day after Alberta’s deadline to submit a proposal to the major projects office for a new pipeline to B.C.’s coast. Eby has been highly critical of that proposal and B.C. being cut out of those negotiations.
