Events

BC’s new gateway to Asia

by Dilpreet Gill and Austin Nairn

Initiatives Prince George CEO, Tim McEwan address CYP and LOT Members about the opportunities available in Northern British Columbia.

New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) hosted the “BC’s new gateway to Asia” event for CYP and LOT members on November 16, 2009. It was a unique opportunity to meet and listen to the distinguished guest of the evening, Tim McEwan, president and chief executive officer, Initiatives Prince George Development Corporation, speak.

After providing a brief background of his career, McEwan touched on how quickly development has occurred in Northern British Columbia due to several government and Non Government Organizations who worked together. Their collaboration greatly increased their airport capacity and contributed to the success of The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) and other local projects.

McEwan also highlighted the opportunities available to the province to meet the increasing demand of this market. He went on to say that Northern BC has enormous potential which needs to be explored and more fully utilized. The unique location of Prince George can reduce shipping times by 1.5 days making it more cost efficient for those conducting international trade.

Following his presentation McEwan welcomed questions from the Audience and sited the downturn of economy as the biggest obstacle in some of his current projects. The Vancouver Board of Trade would like to thank Mr. McEwan for taking the time to address LOT and CYP Members, as they greatly benefited from the thoughts and insights he shared about British Columbia’s Northern ties to trade in Asia.