VICTORIA – Minister of International Trade and Minister Responsible for Asia Pacific Strategy and Multiculturalism Teresa Wat issued the following statement today, Dec. 20, as Ben Stewart announces his intent to leave the position as B.C.'s Special Representative in Asia:

"I want to thank Ben Stewart on behalf of government and all British Columbians for his excellent work promoting B.C.'s trade and investment interests in East Asia. British Columbia has been well-served by a representative with his experience and expertise.

"We wish Ben all the best as he returns to private life after serving three years in Beijing as B.C.'s Special Representative in Asia. In this role, he helped build British Columbia's government-to-government and business-to-business relationships that opened doors, attracted new investment and helped B.C. businesses enter new markets in Asia.

"While B.C. is losing such a distinguished proponent of the province, we understand his decision to leave this post, and we are most grateful for his dedication and the excellent work he's done on the Province's behalf. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours as he focuses on his B.C. business and reconnects with his family.

"Ben's last day as B.C.'s Special Representative in Asia will be Dec. 30, 2016. We are now exploring options for a replacement and we will have more information available in the coming months."