B.C. Premier David Eby is set to leave on his first trade mission to China—albeit a shortened one—on June 27, while leaving scant details of his itinerary, including who he will be meeting.

The reason for this, according to the premier’s office, is due to commercial sensitivities.

However, an office spokesperson told Business in Vancouver it intends to share updates of the premier’s daily itinerary at the end of each day, although it’s unclear if all of the itinerary will be proactively shared.

The office only stated in a news release on June 23 that Eby “will meet with government and business leaders in key cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou to strengthen partnerships and create new opportunities for B.C. businesses.”

By contrast when U.S. President Donald Trump visited China in May, media were briefed of his full itinerary.

The office also outlined what B.C. will be pitching on its mission, keying in on promoting B.C. as a tourist destination and a place to buy wood and agricultural products as well as “clean energy” like liquefied natural gas.

In August 2023 the Chinese government removed Canada as an approved travel destination, effectively curbing tourism from the country. However, last November the approved designation was returned.

Eby called an impromptu media conference Thursday, limiting reporters to one question and one follow-up.

He began by announcing the trade mission would be cut short two days in order to return to Canada by July 2 at the request of the federal government to be available to potentially sign a memorandum of understanding on “major projects” in the province.

“So I will be, unfortunately, be cutting my visit a bit short in China,” said Eby.

“The Prime Minister has offered kindly an invitation to join him in November, in China, as part of the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering, and if that is something that’s able to work, we’re saying at that time then it may be an opportunity for me to return,” said Eby.

The premier made clear the mission is in response to tariffs imposed by the United States.

“We’re seeking to reduce our reliance on the United States,” by doubling exports to non-U.S. markets by 2036. “ … China will be part of that,” said Eby.

BIV asked Eby what he would like to see from the Chinese side of the proverbial table.

“So from the China side, certainly we will be interested in hearing from them where there are opportunities for growth in the trade relationship between China and Canada,” Eby said.

PetroChina is one of the major investors in LNG Canada Phase 2, noted Eby.

“And then, ultimately, at the end of the day, we would love to see China drop their remaining tariffs on areas like seafood that are impacting us and our producers here and ensuring that we have open lines of communication for businesses that are working in China and vice versa, to make sure that we’re able to pursue any opportunities we can,” said Eby.

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