Surrey welcomes Mexican delegates as the city looks to expand tech operations

Surrey is welcoming delegates from Mexico this week as the city looks to make global connections and expand tech operations.

Delegates were at University Canada West in Vancouver on Monday and will attend an event hosted by the Surrey Board of Trade and CMX Partnerships on Tuesday showcasing the city’s manufacturers and technology district.

CANADA-MEXICO FOCUS
Today was the start of the Mexico delegation visit at University Canada West. Surrey Board of Trade and our Surrey International Trade Centre thanks Juan Salvadore Navarre. Always great to collaborate with CMX Partnerships. @SBofT @mary_ng @CityofSurrey pic.twitter.com/TWRJ8OA8BI

— Anita Huberman (@anitahuberman) October 3, 2023

Surrey Board of Trade President and CEO Anita Huberman tells CityNews the city has the “greatest number of manufacturers within B.C.” to go along with an emerging technology district, and says those factors seem to be “very appealing” to Mexican delegates.

“We’re looking forward to exploring colocation opportunities in each of our various districts,” she said, noting Surrey’s hydrogen industry includes one of the city’s foundational companies — one it would be looking to expand through a connection like this. She says the city hopes to eventually become a “hydrogen centre of excellence.”

“I felt really positive that we’re moving forward in terms of building those global economic partnerships diversifying our trade opportunities for local businesses … it feels good always to welcome the world to the Metro Vancouver region.”

Huberman explains that the Surrey Board of Trade is gearing up to open a second location — the Surrey Technology and Skill Centre — and scale up tech-related business at that new site. This meeting with delegates from Mexico is the second of its kind, and Huberman says it certainly won’t be the last.

“We’re looking to the world to bring the world to Surrey and to the Surrey health and technology district, and specifically to our location, which will really innovate certain industries and lead into certain industry development whether it’s creative technology, health technology, or clean technology,” she said.

The event comes to a close on Friday at the Vancouver Club, where leaders from both sides will have discussions based on trade, technology, and growing relationships.

“If anyone wants to attend, they should contact the Surrey Board of Trade, especially for the Oct. 6, Canada-Mexico dialogue, and participate in exploring possible opportunities for your business,” Huberman added.

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In terms of future events to further expand trade operations, Huberman says the Surrey Board of Trade is exploring the idea of heading to Taiwan for an event, and adds that India can’t be ruled out “despite the political situation at play.”