VICTORIA - The Province has chosen a representative to get the message out in China that B.C. is a global magnet for investment, talent and tourism.

"The Province needs representatives in the world's markets who can promote British Columbia," said Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development. "John McDonald is an industry expert with relevant business and language skills and a network of contacts already in place. B.C.'s interests will be well-served by his efforts."

McDonald is a graduate of INSEAD, has 11 years' business experience in China with exposure to clients in manufacturing, high technology, forest products, agri-food and services industries; and six years' experience in managing and setting up new business operations in China.

The Province plans to add additional representation in Asia in the coming months, with a key focus on Japan. The Asia representatives will play an important role in helping implement the Province's Asia Pacific Initiative.

British Columbia's trade and investment representatives help promote the province in international markets in a number of ways:
* conduct corporate calls to present the business case for locating in British Columbia, and generate investment leads;
* deliver seminars or presentations on the merits of establishing a presence in British Columbia;
* identify target partners or key clients for B.C. industries;
* gather strategic marketing intelligence and information; and
* support in-bound and out-bound trade and investment initiatives.

British Columbia representatives are expected to have relevant language skills, sector-specific knowledge, and an established network of commercial contacts in their geographic markets.