JASROOP GOSAL
SURREY – Metro Vancouver is gaining momentum as a leading destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Canada, with strong employment growth across the region’s foreign multinational enterprises (FMEs). To harness this momentum, the Surrey Board of Trade calls on the Government of Canada to prioritize funding for the Metro Vancouver region, with Surrey poised to play a critical role in regional economic expansion due to its growing workforce and significant land base.
According to Invest Vancouver, FME employment in British Columbia rose by 46.3 per cent from 2016 to 2022, a growth rate that far outpaces the national average of 14.3 per cent. This surge saw over 349,000 British Columbians employed by FMEs in 2022 alone, driven largely by sectors like professional, scientific, and technical services, which grew by an impressive 191.4 per cent in the same period. Countries like Sweden and China were among the fastest-growing sources of FME employment, with increases of 886 per cent and 832 per cent, respectively.
“This report highlights the incredible success Metro Vancouver is experiencing in attracting international investment, and Surrey has the potential to be at the forefront of this growth,” said Jasroop Gosal, Interim Spokesperson at the Surrey Board of Trade. “With federal support, we can expand our FDI strategies to ensure that Surrey and the entire region are equipped to draw in and support multinational enterprises, bringing jobs and sustained growth.”
As one of the region’s fastest-growing cities, Surrey offers a young, diverse workforce and the space required for significant business expansion. With the right resources, Surrey can strengthen its role in Metro Vancouver’s FDI success and drive further economic development for British Columbia and Canada as a whole.
“We’re calling on the Federal Government to recognize Metro Vancouver’s potential as a magnet for foreign investment, with Surrey ready to support this regional growth, through investments in infrastructure, workforce training, transit, tourism, and targeted FDI strategies. These investments are essential for ensuring our continued competitiveness in the global market.”
For more information, see the full report by Invest Vancouver: Impact of Foreign Direct Investment in BC.
Jasroop Gosal is the Interim Spokesperson and Policy & Research Manager for the Surrey Board of Trade
