About British Columbia
British Columbia is Canada's gateway to the Pacific, offering businesses access to North American and Asia-Pacific markets through a dynamic, globally connected economy. With strong trade links to the UK and growing demand for Scottish products and services, British Columbia presents excellent opportunities for businesses looking to expand internationally.
This trade mission will be based primarily in Vancouver, British Columbia's largest city and commercial centre. Building on the success of our 2022 virtual trade mission, delegates will benefit from established in-market relationships and opportunities to strengthen connections through face-to-face engagement.
Key Sectors
This mission is open to businesses across a range of sectors, with particular opportunities in:
- Food & Drink
- Technology & Digital
- Clean Energy & Net Zero
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Life Sciences
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Creative Industries
- Forestry & Wood Products
- Marine & Maritime Industries
- Aerospace
- Professional & Business Services
Businesses from other sectors with export ambitions are also encouraged to apply.
Agenda
The programme has been designed to maximise commercial opportunities and includes:
- Market briefing sessions on doing business in British Columbia
- Legal, financial and market entry workshops
- Pre-arranged B2B meetings (minimum of 2–3 tailored meetings per delegate)
- Networking events with Canadian businesses and stakeholders
- Site visits to key organisations, businesses and sector-specific facilities in Vancouver, with potential visits to Victoria
- Opportunities to engage with Chambers of Commerce, trade organisations, government agencies and other strategic partners
- The agenda will be tailored to the final cohort of participating businesses to ensure relevant, high-value meetings and activities.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from Scottish businesses that:
- Are looking to export or expand into the Canadian market
- Have a product or service with international growth potential
- Are committed to attending the full trade mission programme
- Are ready to engage with potential customers, partners or distributors in British Columbia
Whether you are exploring the Canadian market for the first time or building on previous international activity, this mission offers practical support, valuable introductions and tailored business meetings to help accelerate your international growth.
Contact Information
For further information or an application form to join the mission, please contact:
Eilidh MacDonald
Email: trademission@westhighlandchamber.co.uk
Cost to Participating Businesses
Participating businesses will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of £450 to secure their place on the trade mission.
Delegates will also be responsible for covering the cost of their own:
- Flights
- Accommodation
- Meals not included within the official programme
- Any personal expenses incurred during the visit
All activities, meetings, site visits, networking events and programme elements organised as part of the official trade mission will be covered by the Chamber.
This mission will be delivered on behalf of The Scottish Government and Scottish Chambers of Commerce