B.C. forests minister heads to Asia for trade mission

British Columbia’s Forests Minister Ravi Parmar will lead a trade mission to Japan and South Korea, beginning Nov. 8.

He will be joined by Alberta’s Forests Minister Todd Loewen, as well as representatives from the forestry sector, First Nations and other experts.  

“We’re strengthening B.C.’s forestry sector by opening new markets, forging powerful partnerships and showing the world that B.C. produces the highest quality, most sustainably managed wood products on the planet,” said Parmar in a statement. “My message is clear: We will not be defined by American protectionism.”

The seven-day mission includes meetings with officials from Japan’s Forestry Agency and South Korea’s Land and Housing Research Institute.

They also plan to visit the Mitsubishi Estate Wood Panel Plant and a major pressure treating company in Japan, and South Korean wood-product manufacturer Younglim. 

“Our participation in this mission to Japan and South Korea highlights the pivotal role and value First Nations bring to shaping the future of forestry at home and abroad,” said a statement from Lenny Joe, CEO of B.C. First Nations Forestry Council.

Premier David Eby visited Japan, South Korea and Malaysia as part of a trade mission in June aimed at promoting B.C. products in those countries, ranging from wood products and LNG to seafood. 

While in Japan, Eby and delegates met with the Osaka Federation of All Wood Industries and showcased a soccer ball made from “wood leather” developed by University of British Columbia designers. 

Industry groups and businesses have called for urgent support as the sector is hit hard by U.S. tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump announced 10 per cent duties on softwood lumber in October, on top of the 35 per cent in anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed earlier this year. 

A forestry summit took place in Vancouver on Monday, where provincial and federal officials announced a joint working group to support Canada’s forests industry.

The province also announced last week it would open a new Forestry Innovation Investment (FII) office in London, with the goal of reaching new markets in the U.K., Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The Crown corporation already has offices in Vietnam, India and China. 

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