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

"B.C. has long recognized the value of building strong linkages with the western United States. Gordon Smythe's work there will make a significant contribution to the achievement of British Columbia's key economic objectives," said Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic
Development. "With one of the most dynamic markets in the world, the region is an important dimension to our Pacific leadership Agenda and our gateway strategy of connecting Asia to the rest of North America. We see California especially as an ideal place to market B.C.'s green technology sector."

There are approximately 1,300 companies active in sustainable technology across B.C. generating revenues of approximately $1.9 billion and employing 18,000 people. B.C. is home to 15 research centres of excellence environmental technologies, including companies that are leading the way in profitability.

Gordon Smythe, based in San Francisco, is a graduate of the USC Marshall School of Business; he has 17 years of business development and sales experience in information technology; 8 years of experience with the US technology investor community, and 10 years of international business experience with Europe and Asia.

British Columbia representatives are selected on the basis of a number of criteria, including relevant language skills, sector-specific
knowledge, and an established network of commercial contacts in their geographic markets. The Province has one representative in place in China (Shanghai) and four in Europe (London, Copenhagen, Hamburg, and
Stuttgart).

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