BC Forestry Trade Mission to Asia Returns With New Partnerships

Delegates from British Columbia’s largest forestry trade mission to Asia returned with new business agreements and expanded partnerships in Japan and South Korea, according to the provincial government. BC said the mission strengthened long-standing relationships and opened doors to growing markets for wood construction.

The delegation highlighted BC’s role in advancing global wood construction through shared research, building design expertise, and safety-code development. The province said these efforts support wider international adoption of wood as a sustainable construction material and create new opportunities for BC forestry companies.

Two memorandums of understanding were signed during the mission. Canada Wood and the Japan 2×4 Home Builders Association agreed to expand technical collaboration and market development for mid-rise and nonresidential wood construction in Japan. The government said the agreement positions BC producers to supply high-quality lumber for Japan’s growing mid-rise and nonresidential building sector.

A second agreement—signed by Canada Wood, Forestry Innovation Investment, and the Korea Land and Housing Research Institute—will promote wood-based building in South Korea’s housing sector. The Korea Land and Housing Corporation, the country’s largest housing developer, is exploring expanded wood use in construction and mass timber building as a low-carbon alternative to concrete. BC said the collaboration creates additional opportunities for BC exporters.