International trade and investment focus of tour through Nelson
International business converged on a local stage earlier this month.
The City of Nelson recently partnered with the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce to host a seminar with international trade and investment representatives and several local businesses, particularly in the technology sector, which were interested in learning about how they could take advantage of the international marketplace.
Tom Thomson, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce says representatives from Pacific Insight, Drop Designs, Spearhead, Timely and the Cloudside Inn participated. They had a chance to speak one-on-one with reps from Europe, South China, Japan and Korea to discuss the possibility of expanding opportunities in these countries.
“It is always worthwhile for companies to look to grow market share, and there may be times when existing markets are no longer sufficient,” he says. “By having access to new markets and securing production contracts, it helps keep our jobs within our region.”
Being introduced to companies in the European market that, for example, may be interested in product development for their industry, can help to ensure the viability and sustainability of companies like Pacific Insight, whose primary focus is on the North American auto industry, Thomson explains.
The Nelson visit on February 1 aimed to facilitate community and business access to the BC government services and provide guidance to open new international markets and create jobs.
Thomson says one of the underlying concerns for our region is the need for jobs, and sustainable businesses.
“It is my opinion that a strong business community can help sustain environmental and social concerns,” he says.
The trade and investment reps were in Nelson as the Canadian-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement came before city council after citizens expressed concerns.
The Chamber and Pacific Insight support the trade agreement. Thomson says opportunities can’t be ignored.
“We are not talking development at any cost, and businesses conducting themselves without any form of corporate responsibility, but these opportunities could help grow market share,” he says.
Additional trade and investment services provided by the representatives and the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training include international market intelligence and trade leads to help companies sell products and services overseas; advice on developing marketing strategy and cross-cultural business practices; connecting with key industry, government, and community influencers; seminars and training on exporting and accessing international markets; promoting BC educational institutions to international students and organizing and supporting trade missions, exhibitions and conferences in BC and around the world.
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