The Government of Saskatchewan is opening new international trade and investment offices in key markets to increase exports, attract more investment to the province, and strengthen relationships with international partners and customers.
“Our government has made it a priority to increase our exports and enhance trade and these new offices will be an important tool to helping achieve those goals,” Premier Scott Moe said. “Recent trade actions in key markets have made it more important than ever to ensure we have on the ground presence to tell our Saskatchewan story.”
In 2020-21, the Ministry of Trade and Export Development will open offices in Japan, India and Singapore.
Establishing these offices will allow the province to have officials on the ground with a focus on:
• diversifying markets;
• facilitating connections between Saskatchewan businesses and international buyers;
• increasing foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saskatchewan;
• establishing ongoing relationships and business partnerships; and
• providing exporters an understanding of the business environment, rules and regulations in these markets.
“Our economy and quality of life in Saskatchewan are dependent on trade and, as government, we play a vital role in helping to get our products to international markets,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our people, businesses and industries provide the products a growing world needs with a track record of environmental and economic sustainability. Having Saskatchewan staff in these offices will help ensure we are able to export our products across the globe.”
“Canpotex’s customers are located in 40 countries overseas and our exports create jobs and deliver benefits right here in Saskatchewan,” Canpotex President and CEO (Acting) Derek Gross said. “Given the importance of exports to Saskatchewan’s economy, it makes sense for the province to have a strong international profile in markets where there are growth opportunities.”
“These offices are good news for Saskatchewan canola growers, the value chain, and the entire agriculture sector in the province,” Saskatchewan grain and oilseed producer and President of the Canadian Canola Growers Association Bernie McClean said. “I was in Japan the past few days with industry colleagues working to maintain our canola market there. Three new Saskatchewan offices in Asia are going to help farmers and industry grow new markets and expand others, all with the goal of driving the value of our exports, which is essential to the province’s economy.”
“As we have seen with the challenges with China, it is important to have a strong working relationship with government officials in key markets around the world,” Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Chair Rick Toney said. “It is fantastic to have our Saskatchewan Government open offices in Japan, India, and Singapore. There is great growth potential for the beef industry in Japan and it will be very beneficial to have Saskatchewan officials on the ground, looking out for our interests in these important markets.”
Saskatchewan exports approximately 67 per cent of the products it produces. Total exports in 2018 were valued at approximately $31 billion. The province’s top exports include oil, potash, agricultural products and uranium.
