2003/04 Annual Service Plan Report
Ministry of Small Business and
Economic Development
Update on New Era Commitments
The following table identifies the outstanding government's priorities for which the Ministry is responsible, and describes the current status of each priority.
New Era Commitments
Government Priority
Comments
Cut "red-tape" and regulatory burden by one-third with in three years.
Ongoing: In 2003/04, the government achieved over 80 per cent of its deregulation target, with a reduction of over 113,000 regulatory requirements.
Stimulate tourism with a plan to improve operators' ability to successfully compete for visitors from around the world.
Ongoing: The province has partnered with the federal government and the private sector on the $495 million expansion of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre and has launched a British Columbia Resort Task Force to promote four season resort development.
Lead international 'Leading Edge' marketing missions to promote British Columbia technology and investment.
Ongoing: Trade missions and provincial participation in key international events have promoted British Columbia as a place of investment opportunity. In 2003/04, trade missions were organized to China, India, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States (Texas).
Push to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers.
Ongoing: British Columbia continues to be one of only two jurisdictions in Canada to be in full compliance with the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT).
Alberta has agreed to British Columbia's proposal to negotiate a comprehensive bi-lateral agreement on trade, investment and labour mobility. A framework agreement is expected in mid-2004.
