Efforts to drive new innovation and economic development activity in the province will get a boost this week. Saskatchewan industry and government leaders are in Germany and France to look for opportunities at two of the largest events of their kind.
“Germany’s AgriTechnica is the world’s premiere showcase for new technology and innovation in agriculture,” Innovation Saskatchewan and Advanced Education Minister Tina Beaudry-Mellor said. “Given the rapid growth of Saskatchewan’s agriculture technology sector, this is where we need to be. Our ag-tech companies can find business partners and investors here that will help them access global markets.”
More than 450,000 visitors from 130 countries will visit the trade fair over the course of the week. The event features 2,750 exhibitors from 51 countries. Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership members work with the Ministry of Trade and Export Development annually to develop a Saskatchewan presence at the show.
“Trade relationships are so critical for our province,” Beaudry-Mellor said. “When you live in a place that globally exports 70 per cent of what it produces, you need strong international relationships to remain competitive.”
Saskatchewan will also have a presence at the 40th annual United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) general conference in France. UNESCO’s 193 Member States and ten Associate Members will focus on issues ranging from higher education to artificial intelligence. Saskatchewan will represent Canada’s interests on improving labour mobility and the recognition of academic credentials across international borders.
“Our province needs global expertise to support its growing economy,” Beaudry-Mellor said. “Although some of that expertise is right here at home, we need talent from outside our borders. Canada’s representatives will work to ensure newcomers’ academic backgrounds are recognized so they can get access to education and jobs.”
UNESCO is set to adopt a new convention designed to help an estimated eight million students and faculty pursuing academic work away from their countries of origin gain recognition for skills acquired and academic work accomplished in different countries.
