Carney’s China Trade Visit May Open New Opportunities for B.C.

As Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares for a high-profile trade mission to China next week, British Columbia officials believe the visit could unlock new economic opportunities for the province’s key industries. Carney’s office confirmed the trip will take place from January 13 to 17, marking the first visit to China by a Canadian prime minister since 2017.

During the visit, Carney is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping, with discussions set to focus on trade, energy cooperation, agriculture and international security. Provincial leaders say the talks could help strengthen B.C.’s access to one of the world’s largest markets at a time of global economic uncertainty.

B.C. Energy Minister Adrian Dix said the trip has the potential to benefit the province’s energy sector at multiple levels, particularly liquefied natural gas (LNG). He emphasized that British Columbia produces some of the lowest-emission LNG in the world and highlighted the province’s growing infrastructure, including ports, mining projects and multiple LNG developments currently under construction.

Natural gas used for LNG production is primarily sourced from northeastern B.C. and Alberta through hydraulic fracturing. While LNG is often promoted as a cleaner alternative to coal or oil, critics argue the environmental costs of extraction and processing must also be considered. Despite the debate, Dix said B.C.’s expanding energy sector gives Canada a competitive advantage in global markets.

Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon welcomed news of Carney’s China visit, noting that strong federal leadership is essential for building international trade relationships. Kahlon, who is scheduled to join Premier David Eby on a separate trade mission to India, said China remains a critical economic partner due to its position as the world’s second-largest economy.

Kahlon said reconnecting with China could also help B.C.’s struggling forestry sector, which has faced significant challenges from U.S. tariffs and mill closures. He added that renewed diplomatic engagement could create new export opportunities for forest products, as well as for critical minerals and advanced technologies produced in the province.

The minister stressed that Asian partners value stable and reliable suppliers, particularly in the energy sector. According to Kahlon, buyers are less concerned about price competition and more focused on long-term certainty, political stability and dependable trade relationships—qualities he says British Columbia offers.

Provincial officials believe Carney’s visit could help diversify B.C.’s trade partnerships and reduce reliance on the United States, especially as global trade tensions continue to impact key sectors of the provincial economy.