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BC to find new export opportunities

Apr. 16, 2014 – Langley, British Columbia –The Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification announced $1,003,326 in funding to support a project by the BC Wood Specialties Group Association (BCWSGA) that will promote market development in the Americas.

"The wood products sector is one of the cornerstones of our economy and providing jobs and opportunities for economic growth. By promoting the quality of locally manufactured wood products in new markets, this project will further enhance the sector's value to our economy," said Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

The goal of the project is to identify opportunities in western U.S., Mexican, Central and South American markets for value-added wood products, and prepare companies to participate in trade missions and tradeshows in these markets.

Establishing a trade presence in markets across the Americas, would enhance the sales of value-added wood products, thereby increasing exports, boosting foreign investment in western Canada, and create jobs.

"New regional markets in Western United States, Mexico and Latin America will be the first step towards increased sales and market diversification for many small and medium sized manufacturers of finished wood products in B.C. The next three years will be a time of rapid economic growth in these regions. With this new program and funding provided by WD, BC Wood and B.C.'s value-added wood products manufacturers will be well positioned to take advantage of that growth," said Grant McKinnon, Past Chairman of BC Wood and Partner of Pacific Homes.

Quick facts

• The value-added wood products sector includes companies that manufacture high-value products such as specialty lumber, millwork, cabinetry, furniture, engineered wood products, prefabricated homes, and log home and timber-frame structures.

• Canada has 10 per cent of the world's total forest cover with more than 100 tree species, allowing for the ability to deliver diverse, high-quality wood products.

• The BCWSGA is a not-for-profit trade association that was formed in 1989. Its mandate is to assist BC manufacturers of value-added wood products to achieve global competitiveness by providing marketing services to capitalize on new market opportunities.

April 16, 2014  By  Amie Silverwood