BC Business House reports lasting economic gains from FIFA World Cup connections

BC Business House, a series of business-focused events held during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helped attract investment and create international trade relationships, according to the provincial government.

The province says more than 2,300 people from 25 countries attended the events, helping to open international markets under British Columbia’s Look West strategy. The program was designed to increase exports to markets outside the United States and attract private-sector investment.

During the seven World Cup matches hosted at BC Place, BC Business House brought together provincial government representatives, business leaders, international investors and visiting delegations to explore trade, investment and partnership opportunities. The events highlighted sectors targeted for growth under the Look West strategy: technology, life sciences, mining, energy, agriculture and food processing, tourism, and trade and logistics infrastructure.

Acting Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Adrian Dix said the events helped B.C. businesses build lasting economic ties with international leaders and investors amid growing global uncertainty. He said the program was intended to help businesses reach customers in diverse new markets, grow, create more good jobs across the province and become less reliant on the United States.

Bridgitte Anderson, president and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, said Vancouver spent five weeks at the centre of the sporting world, introducing the city and province to millions of viewers and thousands of visitors. She said BC Business House gave business leaders, investors and international delegates a venue to connect, showcase British Columbia’s strengths and explore future collaboration.

A post-event survey found that 91.5 per cent of attendees rated their experience positively, 81 per cent said they had successfully established new business connections, and 88.5 per cent said the events improved their perception of British Columbia as a place to do business.

Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Anne Kang said the FIFA World Cup 2026 was a once-in-a-generation opportunity to advance the Look West Tourism Sector Action Plan. She said the province’s showcase of its natural beauty, hospitality and commitment to sustainable growth would be turned into benefits for British Columbians, including community investment, good jobs and increased tourism revenues to help fund essential programs.