Invest Vancouver to Become the Region's Economic Prosperity ServiceMetro Vancouver is laying the foundation for regional prosperity with the launch of Invest Vancouver — an economic development leadership service with the goal of amplifying economic opportunity and prosperity for all the residents of the region."The global economy is rapidly evolving and our region is at a critical juncture — we either respond and evolve or get overtaken and passed by," said David Flaks, President of Invest Vancouver. "To help achieve the region's economic priorities, Invest Vancouver will advance greater coordination and collaboration that is necessary for economic development success in a digital age economy, moving beyond the zero-sum competition that is practiced in many other regions around the world, and bring the scale necessary to compete with the Shenzhens, Tokyos, and Mumbais of the world."Formerly called the Regional Economic Prosperity Service, Invest Vancouver has connected extensively in 2021 with local leaders and organizations to identify the region's four economic development priorities: invest in the people of our region, catalyze innovation, build capacity in key export-oriented industries, and increase our global connectedness."Metro Vancouver has been repeatedly crowned as one of the most desirable places in the world to live by many global publications, however, too many residents living in this region face far too many economic hardships, including the unsustainably high cost of housing and a growing shortage of well-paying, future-proof jobs," said Sav Dhaliwal, Chair of the service's management board and the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors. "We are bringing regional scale and perspective to advance a more resilient economy and to usher in our region's next economic renaissance — one that grows prosperity outwards, not just upwards."Invest Vancouver has accelerated its ambitious work in a myriad of ways, such as building and strengthening key economic development, trade, and investment partnerships and collaborations; engaging with decision-makers on industrial development policy and opportunities to catalyze innovation and investing in our people; and convincing global investors to consider the Metro Vancouver region as a global industry and innovation hub."Despite the challenges of the pandemic, British Columbia is leading Canada in economic growth, and we have no intention of slowing down," said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation. "Invest Vancouver will support our economic recovery by attracting partners from around the world to support the people and businesses that make Metro Vancouver such a desirable place to work and live."  "The past 18 months have demonstrated the need for a dynamic and resilient regional economy. We know people and businesses have struggled. That's why I'm excited about the launch of Invest Vancouver. With guidance from some of the most forward-thinking leaders on economic development in the region, we're well positioned to enhance our place in the global economy and deliver prosperity for all people," said Linda Buchanan, Vice Chair of the Invest Vancouver management board and the Metro Vancouver Board of Directors.For more information on Invest Vancouver, please visit www.investvancouver.ca.