PRINCE GEORGE – Small- and medium-sized enterprises in Prince George will benefit from new jobs and business opportunities, thanks to two recently announced federal government initiatives.
The first designated the city as a Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) point and the second awarded $335,566 to support the city’s clean technology sector.
The FTZ Point designation was announced today by Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada.
The announcements was made at the Wood Innovation and Design Centre.
The FTZ Point will promote northern BC as a hub for international trade and attract new investors by leveraging its location in North America, as well as its direct access to the United States and its solid manufacturing base to attract new investors.
“As a trading nation, Canada recognizes the strong connection between trade and well-paying jobs. We are proud to designate Prince George as a Foreign Trade Zone and to support its clean tech sector because we know a clean environment and a strong economy go hand in hand.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to creating well-paying middle class jobs, growing the economy while protecting the environment,” said Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade.
Parliamentary Secretary Goldsmith-Jones also announced federal funding of $335,566 for the City of Prince George to develop a clean technology cluster. This funding is being delivered through Western Economic Diversification Canada.
“As a critical transportation hub and one of Canada’s fastest-growing mid-sized cities, Prince George is well-positioned to diversify and expand its trade relationships to create more good jobs in the north. Through our recent mission to Asia, export development assistance for small and medium-sized businesses and capacity-building through tech accelerators and other programs, your provincial government will continue to support Prince George amid the exciting opportunities coming out of today’s announcement,” said the Honourable George Chow, Minister of State for Trade.
Designating Prince George as an FTZ Point and investing in clean technology aligns with the federal government’s priorities to help businesses compete in international markets and global value chains, while also supporting the Government’s Innovation and Skills Plan to create well-paying jobs for the middle class.
Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall welcomed both announcements. “I would like to express Council’s gratitude to the Government of Canada for designating Prince George as Canada’s western-most Foreign Trade Zone. We also thank the Province of BC for their commitment and support in this achievement. Having a local Foreign Trade Zone gives our businesses access to important trade programs which will help them to compete better internationally.
“Council also thanks the Government of Canada for investing in the development of clean technology here in Northern BC. Enhancing our clean tech sector will increase Prince George’s capacity to develop new, environmentally friendly tech products and services, which are as good for our economy as they are for the environment. As well, Council would like to acknowledge the City’s Economic Development Division‘s excellent work in achieving both of these accomplishments.”
